High-performance and recyclable epoxy resins based on fully bio-based hardeners containing Schiff base structures
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The development of recyclable bio-based epoxy resins has been the focus of research nowadays, particularly in light of increasing environmental concerns and the drive for resource recycling. Herein, two fully bio-based epoxy curing agents, VLYS (fully bio-based Schiff basic epoxy curing agent based on vanillin and lysine) and VLEV (fully bio-based Schiff basic epoxy curing agent based on vanillin and levodopa), were synthesized by reacting amino acids—lysine and levodopa, respectively—with vanillin. Both epoxy resins cured by these two hardeners, VLYS-E and VLEV-E, show high glass transition temperatures ( T g > 141°C) and superior mechanical properties (Young’s modulus >1000 MPa and flexural modulus >2900 MPa), which are far better than the resin system based on a petroleum-based curing agent. The incorporation of the Schiff base endows these resins with degradability and reprocessability, while exhibiting high-percentage retention of thermal and mechanical properties after two cycles. Taken together, these findings suggest that these fully bio-based curing agents hold significant potential to supplant conventional hardeners.
Source: Royal Society Open Science
DOI: 10.1098/rsos.250109
Authors: Ruize Zhang, Jiaqi Zhong, Gaosheng Wu, Kaidi Xu, Xiaoli Xu, Xuliang Cui, Baoyun Xu, Xiaolei li
Institution: Shanghai Research Institute of Chemical Industry
Language: English
Topic: Epoxy Resin Curing Processes
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,471
OpenAlex ID: W4412109807