High‐Performance, Recyclable Carbon Fiber‐Reinforced Epoxy Vitrimer Composites With Enhanced Dynamic Adaptability

ABSTRACT The permanent cross‐linked network of traditional epoxy resins severely restricts the repairability and recyclability of carbon fiber‐reinforced polymers (CFRPs), creating an urgent need for dynamic alternatives. Here, a novel imidazole‐derived epoxy curing agent (BIMB) containing dynamic imine bonds was synthesized. The resulting vitrimer network, cured with bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (DGEBA), successfully reconciles exceptional thermal stability with rapid dynamic adaptability. Specifically, the vitrimer exhibited a high onset decomposition temperature of 346.5°C and achieved 100% efficient surface scratch healing within merely 20 min at 90°C. Furthermore, carbon fiber‐reinforced vitrimer composites attained flexural strength and interlaminar shear strength reaching 95% and 84%, respectively, of those observed in conventional amine‐cured counterparts. Notably, these composites can be efficiently recycled via mild chemical treatment in a tetrahydrofuran/hydrochloric acid (THF/HCl) mixture, enabling the nondestructive recovery of carbon fibers with their mechanical integrity preserved nearly intact. This study provides a practical and high‐performance strategy for the sustainable manufacturing of advanced epoxy composites.