United States
. A review by researchers from the Department of Chemical Engineering, Rowan University (New Jersey), covers recent developments using bio-based epoxy resins and bio-based epoxy curing agents.
The combination of knowledge about harmful industrial processes and environmental problems and the depletion of petroleum-based resources has greatly stimulated research into materials from developing renewable sources. Epoxy resins are common pre-polymers that are used in a variety of industries, such as adhesives, coatings, insulation and high-performance composite materials.
To transform epoxy resins into cross-linked nets with desirable thermal and mechanical properties, the resins must be cured with a curing agent. This review covers recent developments using bio-based epoxy resins and curing agents. Resins and curing agents synthesized from modified vegetable oils, sugars, polyphenols, terpenes, rosin, natural rubber, and lignin are highlighted and their thermal and mechanical properties were reviewed.
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