Exploring Inverse Vulcanized Dicyclopentadiene As a Polymer Matrix for Carbon Fiber Composites

Inverse vulcanization of waste or renewable dienes has generated materials with phenomenal properties across a spectrum of applications. Nevertheless, the use of these materials for structural applications remains a challenge. Here, the use of an inverse vulcanized cyclopentadiene polymer as a resin for carbon fiber reinforced composites is explored. The dynamic SS bonds in the polymer matrix are used to repair composite specimens over 5 generations by heating the material to 140 degrees C. A range of composites are manufactured and evaluated for their flexural properties, using a range of fiber orientations. Finally, this polymer is used to reinforce a carbon fiber fabric composed entirely of reclaimed materials, constituting a composite entirely composed of waste materials and second life carbon fibers. With the ability to synthesis shelf stable, rehealable sulfur-based copolymers in hand, this paper aims to highlight a means to improve their structural integrity using carbon fiber reinforcements in hopes to further widen the scope of applications these polymers can have. Furthermore, the repair capabilities of these composites over 5 consecutive generations are assessed and reported.image