09 Aug Biobased Epoxy Resins available at SPECIFIC POLYMERS

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 is now available in two versions: DGEVA BIO (100% bio-based) and DGEVA BIO 4 (40% bio-based). DGEVA BIO is available up to 1kg and DGEVA BIO4 up to 5kg.

It’s worth highlighting that the biobased grades offer properties equivalent to their petro-based counterpart (SP-9S-5-005). They are solids that melt at approximately 50°C to 60°C and exhibit 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, corresponding to an EEW of approximately 135–150. Moreover, when formulated with appropriate hardeners, they can reach glass transition temperatures ranging from 50°C to 150°C.

The triglycidyl ether of phloroglucinol (PHTE) is a BPA-free epoxy resin designed for high-performance thermoset materials. With its three epoxy groups, it enables high crosslinking density, making it ideal for demanding applications.

PHTE is a yellow to slightly orange, viscous liquid with a viscosity ranging from 25,000 to 100 cP·s between 30°C and 80°C. Its epoxy index typically falls between 7.2 and 8.5 meq/g, corresponding to an epoxy equivalent weight (EEW) of 120–140. When cured with suitable hardeners, it can achieve glass transition temperatures from 100°C to over 200°C.

PHTE is now also available in a 60% bio-based version and can be supplied in quantities up to 5 kg. Bulk orders are available upon request.

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. 

Resveratrol is a renewable phenolic compound that can be transformed into high-performance epoxy resins offering outstanding properties such as high glass transition temperatures (Tg) and intrinsic flame-retardancy [1,2]. It can be sourced from food waste, notably from the skin of grapes, blueberries, raspberries, mulberries, and peanuts.

Thanks to its multifunctionality and unique chemical structure, Resveratrol Triglycidyl Ether (RTGE) represents a promising and sustainable alternative to traditional DGEBA-based epoxy systems.

SPECIFIC POLYMERS now offers both a petrobased and a 60% bio-based version of RTGE, available at the 10 to 50 g scale for proof-of-concept validation.