Breaking of C-N bonds in epoxy resins via an oxidation-Cope elimination pathway

The strong cross-linked network structure of fiber-reinforced epoxy composites gives them excellent mechanical properties but also makes them difficult to recycle after disposal. Expensive catalysts or undesirable oxidants are often required to degrade such stable material. In this work, we report a DMSO-dissolution method that can recycle amine-cured epoxy resins as well as commercial composites using only dimethyl sulfoxide in air. By selectively breaking C–N bonds via an oxidation-Cope elimination mechanism, fiber recovery and resin matrix upcycling can be achieved. A high products mass recovery (> 98%) can be attained from the degradation of resin matrices, which can be used as wood adhesives with adhesive strength comparable to commercial glues. Our results can be easily extended to degradation of other polymers with tertiary amine structures.