Novel Epoxy Resins Derived from Biomass Components

Biomass has received considerable attention because it is renewable and offers the prospect of circulation of carbon in the ecological system. The concept “Biorefinery” has been developed rapidly in order to establish sustainable industries. Recently, new types of epoxy resins with polyester chains, which can be derived from saccharides, lignin and glycerol, have been investigated. In the above studies, the relationship between chemical structure and physical properties was investigated. In the present review, the features of the preparation system and the action of biomass components in epoxy resin polymer networks are described. The glass transition temperatures of the epoxy resins increased with increasing content of biomass components in epoxy resin polymer networks. Thermal decomposition temperatures were almost constant regardless of the content of biomass components contents in epoxy resins. Mass residue at 500 °C increased with increasing contents of biomass components in epoxy resins. It was found that the thermal properties can be controlled by changing the contents of biomass components.