Construction of robust and fully bio-based epoxy vitrimers with facile malleability, self-healing ability, and recyclability from peach gum polysaccharide and itaconic acid

Fully bio-based epoxy vitrimers have been explored for sustainable industrial development and environmental conservation. However, the manufacture of fully bio-based epoxy vitrimers with high mechanical properties and thermostability remains a challenge. Here, for the first time, a novel strategy to fabricate natural peach gum-based epoxy vitrimers with the superior mechanical properties and thermostability comparable to commercial epoxy resin is provided by using peach gum and itaconic acid. The strategy includes the synthesis of peach gum polysaccharide with terminal carboxyl (PGP-COOH) and itaconic acid derivative with terminal epoxy (EIA). Fully bio-based epoxy networks with dynamic β-hydroxy ester bonds (PGE) were obtained by a reaction between PGP-COOH and EIA and the structures of PGE were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. The mechanical properties and thermostability of PGE networks were studied by tensile testing and Thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. Additionally, the self-healing, physical reprocessing and chemical recycling performances of PGE networks were evaluated. Finally, PGE is applied in recycled adhesion for different substrates. This work demonstrates that the PGE networks possess comparable mechanical properties and thermostability to the commercial epoxy resin. This study gives a novel approach to prepare fully bio-based epoxy thermosets with high performances. [Display omitted] •The fully bio-based epoxy vitrimers (PGE) are successfully fabricated.•PGE display high tensile strength comparable to commercial epoxy resin.•PGE exhibit superior self-healing, welding and recycling capabilities.•PGE potentially apply in recycled adhesion of steel/wood/glass plates.