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 S─S bonds in the polymer matrix are used to repair composite specimens over 5 generations by heating the material to 140 °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.