Efficient Degradation of Ester-Linked Epoxy Resins for Superconducting Wire Recovery

Author: Zhao, Junting

Affiliation: Institute of Physical and Chemical Technology

Type: Poster

Display Dates: 20.07.2026 - 21.07.2026

Board: MT-037

Due to the difficulty in degrading epoxy resin impregnation systems used in high-temperature superconducting wire packaging, this study proposes a chemical degradation strategy based on the synergistic effect of dimethyl ethanolamine (DMA) and ethylene glycol (EG). This method enables selective cleavage of ester bonds within the epoxy resin network, thereby facilitating efficient recovery of the embedded superconducting wires. A mild and controllable degradation system was established, and the effects of reaction temperature, time, and DMA/EG ratio on degradation efficiency were systematically investigated. The degradation efficiency was quantitatively evaluated using the mass loss method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to analyze the chemical structure changes of the resin before and after degradation, confirming the ester bond cleavage mechanism. In addition, the microstructure evolution of the material was characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the influence of the degradation process on the morphology of the superconducting wire was investigated. Meanwhile, the influence of the degradation process on the electrical performance of the superconducting wires was assessed via critical current measurements. The results demonstrate that the DMA/EG system can effectively degrade epoxy resin under relatively mild conditions while preserving the structural integrity and electrical performance of the superconducting wires. This work provides a feasible strategy for recycling high-value components in superconducting devices.