Thermally degradable thermosetting materials

Thermosetting materials have been widely used in a variety of applications but they generally display poor tractability after curing, which limits their use in applications where degradable or re-workable polymers are advantageous. Moreover, recyclability and biodegradability of thermosetting polymer also limit their use in applications where recycling and biodegradation are important. A variety of thermally degradable linkages within thermosetting materials have been studied both in academia and industry to develop re-workable adhesives. This review reports the recent development in thermosetting materials containing thermally breakable linkages that exhibit re-workability as well as potential for recyclability and biodegradability.