Efficient catalytic degradation of anhydride-cured epoxy resin by amphiphilic molecule catalysts

A novel strategy was proposed for the complete degradation of anhydride-cured epoxy resin (ACEP) by an amphiphilic catalyst in water under mild conditions. As an amphiphilic molecule, dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid (DBSA) was enriched at the water-ACEP interface, accelerating the degradation of ACEP. Moreover, it could carry the degradation products away from ACEP, which facilitated the exposure of the ACEP surface to the catalyst and further the degradation of ACEP.