A facile strategy to achieve fully bio-based epoxy thermosets from eugenol

Abstract

To achieve sustainability, many kinds of bio-based epoxy resins have been developed. However, to the best of our knowledge, a 100% bio-based epoxy thermoset has rarely been reported since it needs both the epoxy resin and curing agent to be bio-based. This work provides a facile strategy to achieve epoxy thermosets with 100% bio-based content. The strategy includes the preparation of four bio-based epoxy resins 1–4 and their thermosets through the self-curing reaction of 1–4. The epoxy compounds 1–4 were prepared from the esterification of eugenol with succinyl, adipoyl, suberoyl, and 2,5-furan chloride, respectively, followed by the oxidation of the allylic bond. Through NMR, DSC, and FTIR analyses, we confirm that the self-curing reaction of 1–4 occurred through a 4-dimethylpyridine (DMAP)-catalyzed reaction of active esters and epoxides. This work successfully provides a facile strategy to achieve fully bio-based epoxy thermosets.