Source | Mallinda Inc.

Mallinda Inc. (Denver, Colo., U.S.), a global developer of vitrimer resin systems, announces the commercial launch of  Vitrimax versatile hot melt (VHM) resin, a vitrimer-based composite resin system. According to the company, this technology combines the optimal mechanical properties of thermosets with the processing flexibility of thermoplastics, while enabling economic recyclability and reuse for high-performance composites.

Mallinda targets 100% recycling and reuse of production scrap with Vitrimax VHM customers, and is targeting end-of-life (EOL) circularity programs as well. The company says that, due to molecular-level design for circularity, Vitrimax resins and their composites are always able to be recycled at lower cost than their virgin inputs. 

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“The performance and recyclability of Mallinda’s vitrimer chemistry have been validated in multiple academic studies,” says Professor Steven Nutt, director of M.C. Gill Composites Center, University of Southern California. “Circularity in composites is challenging, but the Vitrimax chemistry is likely one of the best places from which to start.”

The launch follows successful commercial-scale production validation, with demonstrated batch consistency at 200-L reactor scale and qualification for 2.1 tons per batch manufacturing. One day’s batch could produce 10,000 square meters of composite materials. Mallinda notes that multiple Fortune Global 500 companies have already collaborated with its teams to commercialize the VHM resins to their particular requirements.

Mallinda points out a few key features and benefits:

• Vitrimax VHM features a novel polymer class combining thermoset performance with thermoplastic processability
• Complete component material recovery achieves “infinite” recyclability, separating resin, composite fabric and integrated components including precious metals
• Post-cure processing capabilities with tunable glass transition temperature achieve flexible manufacturing
• Parts can be reshaped and repaired on-demand, even in the field
• Vitrimax VHM offers self-healing properties, with enhanced durability through stress-relief capabilities.

The innovation aims to address critical industry challenges, including manufacturing efficiency, waste reduction and environmental sustainability. Mallinda says it enables manufacturers to reprocess scrap material and rejected parts, lowering the overall carbon footprint of their manufacturing processes while maintaining high-performance standards. The product is also optimized for the prepreg process and is ready for immediate application in UAVs, sporting goods, automotive, marine and aerospace secondary structures. In addition, the Vitrimax technology platform stands to have outsize impact on wind energy, hydrogen pressure vessels and urban air mobility.

“Vitrimax VHM represents a paradigm shift in composite materials,” says Philip Taynton, CEO of Mallinda. 

Vitrimax VHM resin and carbon fiber composite samples are available for immediate purchase at mallinda.com/shop. For more information about Vitrimax VHM, visit mallinda.com or contact info@mallinda.com.