Properties of bio-based curing agent based on guaiacol for epoxy resin.

Bio-based compound 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoyl) propionic acid (GSA) containing both phenolic hydroxyl and carboxylic acid group was synthesized by Friedel-Crafts reaction of succinic anhydride and guaiacol with rigid structure of aromatic ring. GSA could be used as curing agent for epoxy resin. Compared with the commonly used petroleum-based curing agent 4, 4-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS), the curing system of GSA had higher curing reaction rate constant. Under the identical curing conditions, the glass transition temperature and the 5% weight loss temperature of bisphenol A epoxy resin cured with GSA were 40 °C and 107.8 °C higher than that of DDS, respectively, showing better thermal stability of GSA curing system. This study provides a path for the construction of high-performance bio-based polymer materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]