Synthesis of eugenol‐based monomers for sustainable epoxy thermoplastic polymers

Abstract New developments in thermosets based on bioproducts are gaining significance due to the importance of replacing thermosets and their monomers, traditionally obtained from petrochemical processes, with biobased thermosets prepared from biomass. In the context of new BPA/DGEBA replacements with both enhanced performance and reduced toxicity and the development of innovative biobased thermosetting resins, the conversion of plant biomass, especially natural phenols, into useful polymeric materials is believed to have considerable environmental and economic value. Eugenols are receiving encouraging interest, not only due to their sourcing but also due to their structure and chemical properties, which could enhance the physical characteristics of thermosetting materials, and which could reduce their toxic effects on the environment and human health. The present review mainly focuses on the utilization of eugenol for the synthesis of biobased epoxy and its thermosetting resins, describing synthetic details of new designs for eugenol‐based monomer and/or additive component preparation that are conducive to the formation of eugenol‐containing polymeric materials. Synthetic methods for eugenol‐based monomers are classified according to the principles of green chemistry and are divided into three large groups: single reactions, consecutive reactions, and multicomponent reactions. Outstanding physical characteristics of the formulated eugenol‐based thermosetting epoxy materials are also described.