J. Mater. Sci. Technol. ›› 2024, Vol. 195: 29-40.DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.02.006

• Review Article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Flame-retardant epoxy thermosets derived from renewable resources: Research development and future perspectives

Yao Yuana,*, Weiliang Lina, Yi Xiaoa, Bin Yub, Wei Wangc,*   

  1. aFujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Materials and Applications, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xiamen University of Technology, Xiamen 361024, China;
    bState Key Laboratory of Fire Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China;
    cSchool of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
  • Received:2023-12-08 Revised:2024-01-31 Accepted:2024-02-11 Published:2024-10-01 Online:2024-02-29
  • Contact: *E-mail addresses: yuanyao@xmut.edu.cn (Y. Yuan), wei.wang15@unsw.edu.au (W. Wang)

Abstract: Nowadays, the predominant source for approximately 90 % of epoxy resin materials worldwide is the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA). However, the increasing recognition of environmental concerns, such as global warming and the depletion of petroleum reserves, necessitates the exploration of alternative options, specifically bio-epoxy resin derived from sustainable resources. Nonetheless, the inadequate flame retardancy of bio-epoxy resin presents a notable drawback, limiting its applicability in high-risk environments. The objective of this review article is to provide a concise overview of the latest and up-to-date advances in flame-retardant epoxy resins derived from sustainable sources. Firstly, the discussion encompasses inherently flame-retardant bio-based epoxy resins, considering both bio-based epoxy monomers and bio-based curing agents, focusing on their flame retardancy and mechanical properties. Furthermore, the utilization of phosphorus-containing and silicon-containing additives in bio-based epoxy is explored. Additionally, a comprehensive evaluation of partially bio-based intrinsically flame retardant epoxy resins is provided. Finally, this article offers an extensive survey of the current state-of-the-art in the field and presents future perspectives, serving as a valuable resource for researchers engaged in the study of flame-retardant epoxy resins derived from sustainable resources.

Key words: Bio-based epoxy, Inherently flame retardant, Renewable resources, Mechanical properties