Amino Acids as Bio-Based Curing Agents for Epoxy Resin: Correlation of Network Structure and Mechanical Properties.

Bio-based alternatives for petroleum-based thermosets are crucial for implementing sustainable practices in fiber-reinforced polymer composites. Therefore, the mechanical properties of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol a (DGEBA) cured with either l-arginine, l-citrulline, γ-aminobutyric acid, l-glutamine, l-tryptophan, or l-tyrosine were investigated to determine the potential of amino acids as bio-based curing agents for epoxy resins. Depending on the curing agent, the glass transition temperature, Young’s modulus, tensile strength, and critical stress intensity factor range from 98.

l-Arginine as Bio-Based Curing Agent for Epoxy Resins: Temperature-Dependence of Mechanical Properties.

The precise characterization of new bio-based thermosets is imperative for the correct assessment of their potential as matrix material in fiber-reinforced polymer composites. Therefore, the mechanical properties of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol a (DGEBA) cured with l-arginine were investigated to determine whether the bio-based thermoset possesses the required mechanical properties for application as a matrix material. The cured thermoset is called Argopox.

l-Arginine as a Bio-Based Curing Agent for Epoxy Resins: Glass Transition Temperature, Rheology and Latency.

The need for sustainable practices in the processing chain of fiber-reinforced thermosets has led to the development of bio-based epoxy resins and curing agents. As a contribution to sustainable composites, this study focuses on the glass transition temperature (Tg), viscosity and latency of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol a (DGEBA) cured with l-arginine in the presence of a urea-based accelerator. These characteristics are decisive features for application as a matrix in fiber-reinforced polymer composites produced via prepreg technology in which low viscosity and sufficient latency, meaning low reactivity of the one-component system, are necessary.