Synthesis of Bio‐Based Epoxy Resins

Epoxy resins are usually synthesized by the oxidation of unsaturated compounds and more often by reaction of epichlorohydrin with bisphenols. All raw materials currently used in these syntheses are of petrochemical origin. Intensive research has been conducted for last couple of years to find alternatives to the petrochemical raw materials for the synthesis of epoxy resins. Various materials of natural origin from renewable sources, which can successfully completely or at least partially replace the petrochemical raw materials previously commonly used in industrial production, are discussed in this chapter. Possible reaction pathways that can be used to obtain epoxy resins from bio-based resources are presented with particular attention to the methods, which are the most promising for large-scale synthesis. Completely bio-based epoxy resins as well as epoxy systems that include bio-based hardeners are also described.