09 Aug Biobased Epoxy Resins available at SPECIFIC POLYMERS
AUTHORS
DATE
August 2024
Sustainable Supply Chain for SPECIFIC POLYMERS’ Resins
As part of its commitment to sustainable development, SPECIFIC POLYMERS is dedicated to building an eco-responsible supply chain, focusing on the development of bio-based epoxy resins. Over the years, SPECIFIC POLYMERS has been a pioneer in offering high-quality epoxy resins derived from renewable resources, including those made from various vegetable oils (SP-3S-30-005; SP-3S-30-006) and cardanol (SP-3S-30-007). While these eco-friendly alternatives suit many applications, their thermomechanical performance often falls short compared to traditional DGEBA-based resins.
That’s why SPECIFIC POLYMERS has invested heavily in developing advanced bio-based resins using aromatic or cycloaliphatic synthons to deliver the level of performance expected by industry professionals.
Biobased DGEVA is now available
Biobased vanillin, with an annual production of 26,000 tons, is primarily sourced through two key processes: the guaiacol-to-vanillin route (accounting for 80-85% of production) and the lignin-to-vanillin route (covering 15-20%). Additionally, other innovative processes enable vanillin production from alternative bio-based precursors, including guaiacol, ferulic acid, eugenol, curcumin, and glucose.
It is important to mention that recent studies on vanillic alcohol and DGEVA have confirmed their lack of endocrine-disrupting effects, highlighting their potential as safe and effective alternatives to DGEBA and BPA.[1]
[1] Caillol, S. et al. Understanding glycidylation reaction for the formation of pure mono, diglycidyl and dual monomers as glycidyl methacrylate of vanillyl alcohol. J Appl Polym Sci 140, e53596 (2023).
SPECIFIC POLYMERS has been actively exploring these pathways to identify the most promising resources for producing bio-based DGEVA. In 2023-2024, SPECIFIC POLYMERS successfully achieved the first production batches of bio-based DGEVA. This innovative product, available under the reference SP-9S-5-005_B, is supplied in quantities ranging from 10g to 50g, with bulk orders available upon request.
It’s worth highlighting that this biobased grade offers properties equivalent to its petro-based counterpart (SP-9S-5-005). It is a solid that melts around 50°C to 60°C and demonstrates relatively low viscosity at 60°C to 80°C (10-50 cP·s). The typical epoxy index ranges from 6.8 to 7.5 meq/g (EEW of approximately 135-150). Moreover, when combined with suitable hardeners, it can achieve glass transition temperatures ranging from 50°C to 150°C.
Biobased DGEI – Diglycidyl Ether of Isosorbide
Isosorbide is derived from glucose, a well-known decomposition product of starch. In the initial step, glucose undergoes hydrogenation to form sorbitol. This sorbitol is then dehydrated, with two sorbitol molecules condensing to create isosorbide. The process typically involves acid-catalyzed cyclization and water removal, resulting in isosorbide’s distinctive bicyclic diol structure. At SPECIFIC POLYMERS, we convert isosorbide into a high-quality epoxy resin, featuring a biocarbon content of 50-55%. This innovative product is available for purchase in quantities ranging from 5g to 25g.
This product is a water-soluble, colorless liquid at room temperature. Its viscosity ranges from 170 cP.s to 10 cP.s as the temperature shifts from 25°C to 80°C, making it an excellent reactive diluent for epoxy formulations thanks to its optimal flow properties across this temperature spectrum. The typical epoxy index is ranged in between 7.0 and 7.7 meq/g (EEW of approximately 130-145). DGEI is of interest as a viable biobased reactive diluent for epoxy resin formulation.
Bisphenol-free epoxy resins
SPECIFIC POLYMERS is deeply committed to researching and developing epoxy resins free from bisphenol and has been involved in these efforts for many years. SPECIFIC POLYMERS also propose Bisphenol-free epoxy resin from lab to pilot scale. Read our last article: “Bisphenol-free epoxy resins to substitute DGEBA”
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