Vanillin-based epoxy formulation as biobased alternative

Thermosets are commonly used for numerous applications such as coatings, electronics, adhesives and composites. Owing to their highly crosslinked polymeric structure they are able to form networks with high dimensional stability, mechanical properties and chemical resistance. Among them, epoxy resins are the most widely used materials reaching more than 70% of the global thermosetting market (polyurethanes not included). The most widely used epoxy in the industry is still the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA).

In order to avoid the use of Bisphenol-A in epoxy formulations, innovative alternative epoxies attracted much attention. In this perspective, SPECIFIC POLYMERS has been exploiting sustainable and Vanillin-based epoxies as platform for the development of innovative materials such as DGEVA or PHTE. With the aim to assess the industrial suitability of DGEVA as a potential biosourced alternative, formulation and curing process were investigated. So far, encouraging results were obtained on DGEVA/cystamine network that showed interesting thermomechanical properties.