VIBES Vitrimers for Reformable Bio-Based Organo-sheets

The inherent recyclability and reprocess-ability of the bio-based epoxy resins developed within the VIBES project have enabled Juno Composites to manufacture a number of bio-based organo-sheets.

Organo-sheets manufactured by Juno Composites (Monaghan, Ireland) showcase the novel bio-based, recyclable and bisphenol free epoxy vitrimer synthesised within the VIBES project by Specific Polymers (Montpellier, France). The organo-sheets developed by Juno Composites utilise commercial carbon fibre reinforcements and natural flax reinforcements (Flipts & Dobells, Belgium). Organo-sheets are of growing interest to downstream composite component fabricators because of the many advantages they present, including: the ability to rapidly thermoform complex shapes and utilise rapid parts integration processes such as welding, de-skilling composite material design and manufacture, recyclability, enhanced weathering resistance, low forming temperatures and relatively low cost.

Juno Composites conducted a preliminary thermoforming investigation on the flat bio-based organo-sheets that they manufactured via liquid moulding technique. This was done to assess the ability to form single curvature parts and determine the basic forming parameters and the potential viability of forming more complex component geometries with double curvature.