Bio-resourced eugenol derived phthalonitrile resin for high temperature composite

Eugenol (EG) is an abundant renewable compound that has been widely used in the synthesis of bio-based thermosetting resin, but there are few reports on the phthalonitrile (PN) resin derived from EG. In this study, a new kind of bio-based PN resin (MEG-PN) derived from EG derivative was successfully synthesized. PN is a traditional class of high-performance thermosets with poor processability for its ultra-high melting point and curing temperature. The MEG-PN resin possesses excellent processability: its melting temperature is much lower (77 degrees C), and it can be cured at a moderate temperature (281 degrees C) in the absence of curing agents. The cured MEG-PN resin exhibited great heat resistance according to its 5% weight loss temperature at 448 degrees C and its char yield percentage as high as 75.6% at 800 degrees C under nitrogen. The properties of the carbon-fiber reinforced MEG-PN composite were comparable to those of petroleum-based PN resins: the glass transition temperature was around 397 degrees C; the flexural strength and modulus were as high as 756 MPa and 119 GPa, respectively. Overall, a bio-based PN thermoset with great comprehensive performance was synthesized possessing the potential in the application of advanced composite.

Automated summary

A new bio-based PN resin (MEG-PN) derived from Eugenol was synthesized with excellent processability and heat resistance, showing potential for advanced composite applications.