Hyperbranched Topological Design Enables Catalyst‐Free Recyclability and Exceptional Toughness in Fully Bio‐Based Epoxy Networks

ABSTRACT The fundamental paradox between robust mechanical performance and sustainable recyclability remains a critical challenge for thermosetting polymers and emerging covalent adaptable networks. Herein, a paradigm for fully bio‐based, hyperbranched dynamic epoxy networks (FGP) is presented, utilizing a rationally designed architecture to achieve an unprecedented balance of strength, toughness, and catalyst‐free recyclability. Driven by the synergistic effects of hyperbranched topology and ordered microphase separation, the resulting FGP exhibits exceptional mechanical performance, delivering a tensile strength of 69.7 MPa and a remarkable toughness of 27.3 MJ/m 3 . Crucially, the abundant terminal hydroxyl groups inherent to the hyperbranched skeleton trigger an efficient neighboring group participation effect, facilitating rapid transesterification without external catalysts and endowing the material with excellent self‐healing and shape‐memory capabilities. Furthermore, a comprehensive dual‐strategy lifecycle is established: FGP waste can either be fully depolymerized in an eco‐friendly ethanol solution for loss‐less closed‐loop recycling, or mildly degraded for direct upcycling into high‐value polyurethane foams via in situ foaming. This architectural design strategy profoundly bridges the gap between high‐performance structural requirements and end‐of‐life circularity, offering a versatile platform for next‐generation sustainable materials.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Functional Materials
Published
2026-09-16
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.78475
Primary Topic
Polymer composites and self-healing
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
article

Hyperbranched Topological Design Enables Catalyst‐Free Recyclability and Exceptional Toughness in Fully Bio‐Based Epoxy Networks

Zhuohua Sun, Guorui Qiang, Bowen Zhang, Zhenzhen Sun
Advanced Functional Materials
Polymer composites and self-healing
article

Hyperbranched Topological Design Enables Catalyst‐Free Recyclability and Exceptional Toughness in Fully Bio‐Based Epoxy Networks

Zhuohua Sun, Guorui Qiang, Bowen Zhang, Zhenzhen Sun
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT The fundamental paradox between robust mechanical performance and sustainable recyclability remains a critical challenge for thermosetting polymers and emerging covalent adaptable networks. Herein, a paradigm for fully bio‐based, hyperbranched dynamic epoxy networks (FGP) is presented, utilizing a rationally designed architecture to achieve an unprecedented balance of strength, toughness, and catalyst‐free recyclability. Driven by the synergistic effects of hyperbranched topology and ordered microphase separation, the resulting FGP exhibits exceptional mechanical performance, delivering a tensile strength of 69.7 MPa and a remarkable toughness of 27.3 MJ/m 3 . Crucially, the abundant terminal hydroxyl groups inherent to the hyperbranched skeleton trigger an efficient neighboring group participation effect, facilitating rapid transesterification without external catalysts and endowing the material with excellent self‐healing and shape‐memory capabilities. Furthermore, a comprehensive dual‐strategy lifecycle is established: FGP waste can either be fully depolymerized in an eco‐friendly ethanol solution for loss‐less closed‐loop recycling, or mildly degraded for direct upcycling into high‐value polyurethane foams via in situ foaming. This architectural design strategy profoundly bridges the gap between high‐performance structural requirements and end‐of‐life circularity, offering a versatile platform for next‐generation sustainable materials.

Advanced Functional Materials
Beijing Forestry University (CN), Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry (UA)
Responsible consumption and production
Openalex Percentile: Top 23%
Polymer composites and self-healing
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Hyperbranched Topological Design Enables Catalyst‐Free Recyclability and Exceptional Toughness in Fully Bio‐Based Epoxy Networks — Zhuohua Sun, Guorui Qiang, et al. · Advanced Functional Materials (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS