Journal of Scientific Engineering Advances

Abstract

Renewable composition cannot, by itself, establish that an epoxy thermoset is environmentally sustainable or appropriate for repeated industrial use. This critical qualitative literature review examines epoxidised palm oil (EPO) as a precursor for covalent adaptable polymer networks, focusing on the molecular and engineering conditions under which repairability, structural integrity and circularity might coexist. Recent EPO-specific work is critically assessed alongside mechanistic evidence from soybean-, tung- and other bio derived vitrimer systems, without treating the latter as direct validation of palm-derived performance. The synthesis identifies six interdependent themes: precursor functionality and curing stoichiometry; exchange chemistry and relaxation kinetics; filler–matrix interactions; healing and reprocessing; long-term environmental durability; and material recovery and life-cycle consequences. A particular contradiction emerges between reinforcement that improves stiffness and solvent resistance and the molecular mobility required for efficient welding and topology rearrangement. The proposed Molecular Adaptability–Structural Integrity–Circularity (MASIC) framework reframes formulation selection as application-specific multi-objective optimization, subject to durability and life-cycle qualification. The review distinguishes visual crack closure, recovered mechanical strength, thermal reshaping and chemical recycling as different outcomes and proposes a staged assessment protocol covering reproducible precursor chemistry, exchange behaviour, retained performance across processing cycles, accelerated ageing and comparative environmental performance. EPO vitrimers are promising candidates for repairable coatings, detachable adhesives and selected composite matrices, but current laboratory demonstrations do not establish general industrial readiness. Progress requires standardized metrics, credible counterfactual materials, and transparent reporting of failures as well as successes.