Recyclable Vitrimer-Matrix Carbon Fibre Composites for Aerostructures: Reprocessing Efficiency and Retention of Mechanical Performance

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Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | 04 | Page :
By

Krupal Pawar,

Rameshwar Kadu,

Yogesh Pathare,

Rajeshkumar Sambhe,

Sailee Shelke,

Vasudha Patil,

  1. D.Sc. Researcher, Faculty of Computer, Engineering and Technology, Sikkim Sardar Patel University, Jorethang Road, Namchi, South Sikkim, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pravara Rural Engineering College, SPPU, Loni, Maharashtra, India
  3. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil Collage of Engineering, SPPU, Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, India
  4. Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Jawaharlal Darda Institute of Engineering & Technology, SGBAU, Yavatmal, Maharashtra, India
  5. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pravara Rural Engineering College, SPPU, Loni, Maharashtra, India
  6. Assistant Professor, Department of Artificial Intelligence & Data Science, Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj College, SPPU, Nepti, Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

To begin, carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) have become an important part of the structural loading in many modern aircraft; however, due to their permanent cross-linking in thermosets, they cannot easily be restored after being retired. Vitrimers have been proposed as a solution since their Covalent Adaptable Networks (CANs), rearranged by associative exchange, may be reshaped, welded, repaired or dissolved without damaging the CFRP fibers. This paper reviews whether the “promise” of vitrimers meets the needs of the aerospace industry, using peer reviewed publications from 2021 to 2026 and combining these into a unified analysis format. In addition to separating reprocessing efficiency from mechanical performance retention and normalizing each to fiber volume fraction where possible, it was found that continuous reinforcement could be recovered fully under mild processing conditions such that tensile strengths were nearly identical. Additionally, it was determined that approximately 94% of the original short beam shear strength of recycled laminates would be recovered provided that the fiber content is considered. Since mechanical properties are dominated by the matrix rather than the fiber, there are no issues related to recycling, but there are limitations including the very small range between the exchange temperature and the start of thermal degradation in high Tg systems.

Keywords: vitrimer composites, covalent adaptable networks, carbon fibre recycling, aerostructures, property retention.

How to cite this article: Krupal Pawar, Rameshwar Kadu, Yogesh Pathare, Rajeshkumar Sambhe, Sailee Shelke, Vasudha Patil. Recyclable Vitrimer-Matrix Carbon Fibre Composites for Aerostructures: Reprocessing Efficiency and Retention of Mechanical Performance. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(04):-.
How to cite this URL: Krupal Pawar, Rameshwar Kadu, Yogesh Pathare, Rajeshkumar Sambhe, Sailee Shelke, Vasudha Patil. Recyclable Vitrimer-Matrix Carbon Fibre Composites for Aerostructures: Reprocessing Efficiency and Retention of Mechanical Performance. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(04):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=252198

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Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 14
04
Received 24/07/2026
Accepted 04/08/2026
Published 12/08/2026
Publication Time 19 Days

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