Enabling sustainable epoxy resins
The latest technical focus article of the European Coatings Journal describes how the usage of bio-based epichlorohydrin can be used to reduce the carbon footprint of epoxy coatings.
Epoxy resins are used extensively as binders in protective coatings because of their excellent adhesion and corrosion resistance properties after curing, formulation flexibility and commercial availability. Traditionally, basic epoxy resins are produced from ECH and bisphenol A (BPA), both of which are typically derived from petroleum.
The technical paper describes that renewable glycerine, a by-product from the transformation of vegetable oils, has been demonstrated to be a reliable feedstock for 100 % bio-based ECH production on an industrial scale. According to the paper the usage of bio-based epichlorohydrin can reduce the carbon footprint of the coatings up to 61 %.
Epoxy formulations with 100 % bio-based carbon content?
The paper further describes possible ways to develop coatings with an even larger amount of bio-based ingredients. As an example, changing the curing agent – wholly or partly – to a 100 % bio-based equivalent molecule, for example an aromatic amine derived from cashew nut shell oil (CNSL) or switching from a petro-based solvent like xylene to an alternative derived from renewable feedstock that has similar solvency.
The author of the article, Pawin Boonyaporn from AGC Chemicals, will give more details during the European Coatings Livestream at April 23 at 11 am ECT. The livestream is free of charge and attendees will have the opportunity to get in touch with the author.
