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Reactive diluents applied in composite-processing methods –thermoset composite production strategies, characteristics, and sustainable opportunities
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DOI：10.1016/j.compositesb.2026.114077.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
Several composite manufactures depend substantially on incorporating reactive diluents to optimize the flow behavior of the employed reactive resins, commonly unsaturated polyesters (UPE), vinyl esters (VE), epoxy systems, and several other highly viscous systems that require suitable low-molecular-weight curable molecules to reduce their viscosity. Styrene exemplifies the main low-cost, available, and efficient compound for radically polymerizable systems (UPE, VE), while possessing high volatility, health and environmental risks, and an entirely fossil-based structural character. Methacrylate and vinyl derivatives are introduced in this work as versatile and complex alternatives to styrene for reactive diluting, often absenting volatility and even exhibiting lower hazardous character, but their functional performance is frequently limited. Epoxy systems do not necessarily require rheology modifications like UPEs and VEs; however, the specific functional modification is commonly required for optimal material performance. In particular, pultrusion, as a continuous process, usually employs reactive diluents in the fabricated matrices to control composite fabrication. In addition to the discussion of the specific exploited structural reactive diluents, the primarily affected properties were covered, including viscosity, thermo-mechanical character, mechanical attributes, and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) specific to fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRP). The structural character, specific functional groups within the carbon backbone, and the reactive functionality (the number of polymerizable centers) significantly influence the final composite. Eventually, this comprehensive review suggests specific reactive diluents from renewable sources as sustainable alternatives to currently used systems, offering innovation, systems diversification, and potentially safer solutions.
Keywords:
Composites
FRP
Reactive diluents
Bio-based compounds
Sustainability
Pultrusion
Journal
IF:
14.2
Papers:
1.2W
Citations:
8.9W
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