Woven cross-linked elastomer strategy for extremely tear-resistant, recyclable elastomer/carbon fiber composites

To overcome the problems of low tear resistance and non-recyclability of conventional carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites (CFRPs), careful design of the polymer binder was required. In this work, woven cross-linkers were introduced into the polymer structure to prepare high strength and toughness polyurethane binders with recyclability, named WPAN 0.5 . The results showed that WPAN 0.5 exhibit excellent tensile strength (86.7 MPa), high toughness (350.6 MJ m −3 ) comparable to Darwin’s bark spider silk, and excellent solvent and thermal stability. Simulation and test results demonstrated excellent energy dissipation in woven polymers. CFRPs were then prepared by combining polyurethane binders with carbon fiber. The results showed that the WPAN 0.5 -CF exhibited recyclability and a record-breaking fracture energy (1721 kJ m −2 ). This strategy provided new ideas for the design of polyurethane elastomer and carbon fiber binders.