Synthesis of ascorbic acid-based epoxy resin

This study aimed to address the environmental concerns associated with petrochemical-derived bisphenol-A, commonly used in epoxy resin synthesis, by developing an eco-friendly alternative utilizing bio-based ascorbic acid, or vitamin C. The epoxy compound was synthesized by leveraging the hydroxyl group inherent in ascorbic acid through a reaction with epichlorohydrin. Optimal curing conditions were determined via dynamic scan and isotherm analysis using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) for the newly synthesized epoxy resin in combination with isophorone diamine (IPDA) as the curing agent. The cured product, obtained under the identified optimal curing conditions, exhibited a soft hardened form with a tensile strength of 7.5 MPa and an elongation of 6%. These findings underscore the feasibility of synthesizing a commercially viable eco-friendly epoxy resin utilizing ascorbic acid, thus contributing to the ongoing pursuit of sustainable material alternatives. The results suggest potential scalability for mass production, emphasizing the significance of this approach in addressing the demand for environmentally friendly materials in various industrial applications.

Synthesis of ascorbic acid-based epoxy resin.