In recent years, growing interest in carbon neutrality and the circular economy has made the recycling of plastics a key issue. In particular, thermosetting resins, which are used in automobiles and electronic components, offer high strength and heat resistance, but once they have cured, they cannot be remelted and reprocessed into new products. Consequently, the primary disposal methods after use are crushing and incineration. The materials are highly durable but difficult to recycle.

In light of these factors, the University of Fukui and Starlite Co., Ltd. are collaborating on the chemical recycling of phenolic resins. Our objective is to develop a resin material that retains the inherent high strength and heat resistance of thermosetting resins yet degrades on demand. We are exploring new material designs that incorporate degradable structures, focusing specifically on phenolic resins as a type of thermosetting resin.

Our approach was featured in the technical book "Design and application examples of easily disassembled and degradable materials", published by the Technical Information Institute, under the title "Development of easily disassembled phenolic resin composites with degradable acetal bonds." For more details on the research, please refer to the book.

Related links

• School of Engineering, University of Fukui
• Technical seminars, books, distance learning, and magazines for manufacturing industry | Technical Information Institute Co., Ltd. (Available only in Japanese)

Inquiry and Contact : https://starlite.co.jp/en/contact/