The properties and suitability of commercial bio‐based epoxies for use in fiber‐reinforced composites
Joseph S. Terry, Ambrose C. Taylor
Abstract
Abstract Environmental concerns about fiber composites are leading manufacturers to consider bio‐based alternatives to petroleum‐derived epoxies. Such a substitution is hindered by a lack of information, so commercially available bio‐based epoxy systems have been compared, their mechanical properties measured, and fiber composites produced by vacuum infusion. Most high bio‐based content resins for infusion use conventional curing agents. Bio‐based content is generally added using Epicerol, but also other bio‐based precursors. A diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A system produced using Epicerol achieves 20 % bio‐based content, but achieves higher contents when Epicerol is used in diluents. Fully bio‐based monomers can be deleterious to the mechanical properties and glass transition temperature ( T g ), so are used sparingly. The most‐promising systems (28 % to 43 % bio‐based) compare well to conventional epoxies, possessing good strength, stiffness, toughness, and a reasonable T g . These partially bio‐based epoxies offer an immediate lower‐carbon alternative for vacuum‐infused composites in marine, sports equipment, and wind energy.