Federico Marino, Yiling Lu, Marzena Pawlik
In response to global initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing materials' recyclability, this review highlights the latest developments in the transition from traditional thermoset composites to more sustainable liquid thermoplastic alternatives. Elium® resin, a liquid thermoplastic resin at room temperature, offers enhanced recyclability while retaining the processability advantages of conventional thermosetting resins. Details on the resin's formulation based on Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) monomers and acrylic co-polymers are provided. A categorisation of the latest available grades by viscosity, reactivity, processing parameters, thermal and mechanical performances is stated. Processability information is provided based on the resin grade. Comparative analyses are presented, showing that Elium®-based fibre reinforced composites exhibit similar properties to conventional epoxy counterparts, offering comparable tensile, flexural and impact performances among others. Latest developments on the self-healing and self-repairing state-of-the-art of Elium®-based composites are discussed in depth. Resin's compatibility with carbon-based nanoparticles is critically analysed, pointing out the current advancements and challenges. The effects of nanofillers on the functionalisation, i.e. sensors, fire-retardancy, and electromagnetic shielding, are presented. Practical applications in the automotive, wind energy, and marine sectors are explored, proving the material's versatility and displaying substantial reductions in weight, energy consumption, and CO 2 emissions. This study provides a future outlook and addresses potential challenges related to the introduction of nanoparticles to functionalise Elium®-based composites. Nano-reinforced Elium®-based composites are believed to be a valid alternative to address the current needs of the global industries, paving the way for future advancements in sustainable advanced composite materials.