Bio-Based Epoxy Resins: Important Things to Know

Bio-based epoxy is a Polyepoxide petrochemical resin made of polymers, is a resin that is frequently used for a variety of purposes. The latest forms of bio-based epoxy resins lessen the negative environmental impacts by substituting some of the petrochemicals in epoxies with renewable, bio-based materials.

Government mandates for reducing carbon emissions and expanding the use of epoxy resins derived from biomaterials. Thus, it is expected to boost market growth. In addition, according to a research report by Astute Analytica, the Global Bio-Based Epoxy Resins Market is likely to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9% over the projection period from 2023 to 2031.

Are bio-based epoxy resins eco-friendly?

Bio-based epoxy resin area method in the right direction for epoxy. However, there is still more work to be done to improve the lifecycle of products. The majority of currently offered bio-based resins still contain 25–50% bio-based material and are predominantly made of petrochemicals. The bio-based proportion of epoxy resins will probably rise as our science develops because change frequently happens gradually. Epoxy resins have still accomplished a lot, and a 30% reduction in petrochemicals is a big deal. The need for fossil fuels, which are necessary to make these items, is significantly reduced. The use of BPA, a poisonous toxin for both humans and the environment, is reduced by other bio-based components including syringaresinol and lignin.

What Benefits Do Bio-based Epoxy Resins Offer?

Bio-based resins are currently predominantly comprised of petrochemicals. Also, the majority of the available resins have bio-based compositions that are between 20% and 50% lower than that. The non-biodegradable nature of these goods means that they will eventually degrade into tiny plastic particles. According to some arguments, such as vegetable oils, still rely on an industrial agriculture system that burns copious amounts of fossil fuels and employs synthetic pesticides and fertilisers.

Bio-based epoxy resins initially exhibited poor mechanical characteristics when compared to Petrobased resins. The flexural strength and stiffness of bio-based resins that remove 67% of bisphenol A with lignin from pinewood increased by 25% as chemical science advances. A calcium nitrate solution and epoxy vanillin were mixed in a different investigation to increase the mechanical characteristics. In terms of mechanical performance, bio-based epoxies are quickly catching up to their petroleum-based equivalents.

Applications and characteristics of bio-based epoxy resins:

• The process specifications and performance requirements both influence the pick of curing agent and resin. The viscosity and glass transition temperature of the cured resins are two crucial factors.
• The bio-based epoxy resins are frequently combined, with other (natural) resins, as well as with fibers and fillers to enhance processing simplicity and/or the qualities of their final products. For instance, they can be used with glass fibers or inorganic fillers to reduce cost and enhance mechanical qualities.
• Numerous sectors can make use of bio-based epoxies. Coatings, laminates, composites, adhesives, and electronic materials like potting compounds are a few examples of potential applications.