The properties and suitability of commercial bio?based epoxies for use in fiber?reinforced composites

Environmental concerns about fiber composites are leading manufacturers to consider bio-based alternatives petroleum-derived epoxies. Such a substitution is hindered by lack of information, so commercially available epoxy systems have been compared, their mechanical properties measured, and produced vacuum infusion. Most high content resins for infusion use conventional curing agents. Bio-based generally added using Epicerol, but also other precursors. A diglycidyl ether bisphenol system Epicerol achieves 20 % content, higher contents when used in diluents. Fully monomers can be deleterious the glass transition temperature (Tg), sparingly. The most-promising (28 43 bio-based) compare well epoxies, possessing good strength, stiffness, toughness, reasonable Tg. These partially epoxies offer an immediate lower-carbon alternative vacuum-infused marine, sports equipment, wind energy.