Phlorotannins from Brown Algae as a Sustainable Aquatic Feedstock for Epoxy Resins
- 1 Department for Cutting and Joining Manufacturing Processes, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
- 2 Department for Cutting and Joining Manufacturing Processes, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
- 3 Department for Cutting and Joining Manufacturing Processes, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
- 4 Physical Chemistry of Nanomaterials, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
- 5 Physical Chemistry of Nanomaterials, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is the primary chemical used in the production of epoxy resins but as of today is not widely available in a bio-based form. BPA is also classified as a substance of very high concern due to its reproductive toxicity and endocrine-disrupting effects. Phlorotannins, a type of polyphenols, offer a promising structural alternative to bisphenol A as a more sustainable option. They are found in high quantities in brown algae, which are already harvested for alginate production. As a result, phlorotannins present an under-researched yet promising marine resource for the chemical industry, particularly in the area of epoxy resin formulation. In this study, a model epoxy resin compound based on phloroglucinol, the simplest phlorotannin, was chosen to explore its reactivity and the thermo-mechanical properties of epoxy resins based thereof. As hardeners well-established systems like isophorone diamine for ambient temperature cure as well as heat-curing anhydrides and dicyandiamide were used. Across all cases, thermosets with glass transition temperatures above 100?C were achieved under cross-linking conditions similar to those used today. One phthalic anhydride derivative yielded a glass transition temperature of 198?C, highlighting the significant potential of these algae-based epoxy resins for industrial uses, such as impregnating resins for fiber-reinforced plastics.
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