University of Parma heads EU VIT project on recyclable smart polymers

The European Union‑funded VIT project, coordinated by the University of Parma, has developed a series of vitrimeric polyethylene polymers that can be reshaped, repaired or recycled with heat. The materials exhibit self‑diagnostic functions: some change colour or fluorescence when stressed or scratched, while others signal the presence of moisture or oxygen. A separate formulation is designed for high‑voltage cable insulation, offering electrical performance comparable to traditional cross‑linked polyethylene but with the potential for reuse after processing. The project, led by Professor Roberta Pinalli of the Department of Chemical, Life and Environmental Sustainability Sciences, highlights the possibility of giving thermoset polymers a second life, though further optimisation of composition and industrial recycling processes is required before large‑scale deployment. CORDIS features a detailed overview of the research outcomes.