Synthesis and characterization of biobased epoxy monomers derived from d-glucose

• Epoxy monomers were successfully synthesized from d-glucose.
• The highest Tg value, comparable to that of DGEBA, was reached with the glucofuranoside-based formulation.
• The completion of curing is proved by Raman spectrometry.
• The thermal degradation of the biobased epoxy networks start at around 300 °C.
• Hardness values of the cured bioepoxy formulations are comparable to that of DGEBA.

This paper reports the preparation of newly synthesized sugar-based epoxy monomers, suitable for replacing petrochemical-derived epoxy resins of high thermal stability. Several bi- tri- and tetrafunctional epoxy components were prepared from d-glucose, among them the glucopyranoside- and glucofuranoside-based trifunctional ones proved to be the most promising for high-tech applications. The applicability of the synthesized compounds as epoxy monomers was investigated by curing probes with a model aromatic amine-type hardener. The curing enthalpy of the bioepoxy resins were examined, and compared to theoretical values, as well as the glass transition temperature, which is a crucial parameter when determining the potential fields of application of the bioresins. Tg values up to 175 °C were reached, while the thermal degradation of the cured resins start at around 300 °C.

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