Recent advances in bio-based epoxy resins and bio-based epoxy curing agents

The combination of awareness of harmful industrial processes and environmental issues and depleting petroleum-based resources has spurred much research in developing materials from renewable sources. Epoxy resins are common pre-polymers used in a variety of industries, such as adhesives, coatings, insulations, and high performance composites. To transform epoxy resins into crosslinked networks with desirable thermal and mechanical properties, the resins must be cured with a curing agent. This review encompasses recent developments using bio-based epoxy resins and bio-based epoxy curing agents. Resins and curing agents synthesized from modified plant oils, sugars, polyphenols, terpenes, rosin, natural rubber, and lignin are highlighted and their thermal and mechanical properties reviewed. (C) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.