Within the realm of polymeric materials, thermosetting resin are widely used to produce composites (CFRP) for space application. Advantage in using composite for structural application is inherent to their intrinsic light weight and specific and tuneable (thermo)mechanical performance. However, thermoset resins are produced mainly using petroleum-based chemicals and the resulting composite materials are non-recyclable by essence. Accelerated by European regulations (REACH) and ESA sustainable ambition for any space mission, Eco Design concepts should be implemented.

In this work, we will present several results based on ESA activities on the development of 100% biobased thermoset using waste of biomass as initial feed stock, vitrimer and self-healing materials for application in composites. The results obtained demonstrate that these approaches are fully compatible with existing processes and can produce high performance materials in line with space requirement. In addition, due to their new intrinsic properties (i.e. self-healing), such composite can be recycled, reprocessed, repaired, reused, and even exhibits self-bonding capabilities. This open a new paradigm for the entire composite industries including space where we demonstrate that initial feed stock material can be petroleum free, non-toxic, and that the final product can be included in another life cycle, avoiding production of ultima waste at the end of life with no added values that is usually the case for composites.