BIO-PHENOM

Thermoset composites are typically made with a DGEBA epoxy resin system containing BPA, epichlorohydrin, and a hardener. Commonly used flame retardants (FRs) for these resins include DOPO, which is derived from the carcinogenic chemical 2-phenyl phenol, and melamine. Efforts to create eco-friendly epoxy resins have focused on using bio-based epichlorohydrin from sources like plant-derived glycerol, and substituting BPA with sustainable alternatives such as lignin, vanillin, vanillyl alcohol, and gallic acid. Recycling thermoset composites is challenging because the resin cannot be recovered easily, and retrieving reinforcing fibers like carbon fiber (CF) requires energy-intensive methods. Intrinsically recyclable epoxy resins, known as covalent adaptable networks (CANs), are promising replacements for traditional thermosets, though they are still in the research phase. BioPhenom aims to advance this field by developing a bio-based FR epoxy system, incorporating biochar as an additional FR agent, and using a dynamic amino hardener with a cleavable chemical bond to enable easy repair and recyclability in green solvents.

The objectives of BioPhenom are to: 

• Scope opportunities and challenges for development of safe and sustainable bio-based solutions 
• Select and design the isolation and functionalisation of biophenols from sidestreams 
• Test and develop safe and sustainable by design wooden, thermoset, and thermoplastic materials. 
• Assess and benchmark the functionality and recyclability of product demonstrators 
• Integrate and develop SSbD framework for assessing the safety and sustainability of biomaterials 
• Contribute high-quality data generated along targeted value chains through effective and efficient dissemination, communication, and exploitation activities.