Resveratrol Trisepoxy-Based High-Performance Resin Formulation and Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Composite Processing for...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Sustainable Chemistry

Background:

• Tactix 742 is a benchmark epoxy resin with high glass transition temperature (Tg) but relies on petroleum-based toxic chemistries.
• Developing sustainable alternatives with similar thermomechanical properties and processing characteristics is critical for the industry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of a renewable resveratrol triglycidyl ether-based epoxy resin system as a sustainable replacement for petro-based epoxy monomers.
• To evaluate the thermomechanical properties, mechanical performance, and composite manufacturing capabilities of the biobased resin.

Main Methods:

• Formulation of a renewable epoxy resin system using resveratrol triglycidyl ether and 4,4-diaminodiphenylsulfone hardener.
• Characterization of thermomechanical properties (Tg, stiffness, strength), mechanical testing (tensile, flexural), and fracture toughness.
• Manufacturing and testing of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites using the biobased formulation.

Main Results:

• The resveratrol triglycidyl ether-4,4-diphenyldisulfone (RTE-DDS) formulation achieved an ultrahigh Tg of 324 °C.
• The biobased formulation demonstrated comparable stiffness, strength, and processing behavior to the petro-based T742-DDS, with 61% higher fracture toughness.
• CFRP manufacturing resulted in high-quality composites with low void content, suitable for characterization despite slightly lower fiber volume content.

Conclusions:

• Resveratrol triglycidyl ether shows significant potential as a biobased alternative for high-performance epoxy resins.
• The RTE-DDS formulation offers a sustainable pathway for developing advanced plastic materials with comparable or superior properties to petro-based counterparts.
• This research highlights the viability of biobased molecules in innovating sustainable, high-performance polymer formulations for future applications.