TITLE:
Phlorotannins from Brown Algae as a Sustainable Aquatic Feedstock for Epoxy Resins
AUTHORS:
Andreas Winkel, Martin Kahlmeyer, Stefan Böhm, Thomas Fuhrmann-Lieker, Maximilian Heiko Burk
KEYWORDS:
Epoxy Resins, Algae, Phlorotannins
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering,
Vol.12 No.11,
November
29,
2024
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.