Synthesis and properties of isosorbide based epoxy resin

Isosorbide based epoxy resin (IS-EPO) of epoxy number: 0.44 mol/100 g was synthesised in the one step reaction from 1,4:3,6-dianhydro-d-glucitol (isosorbide) and epichlorohydrin in the presence of concentrated aqueous NaOH. The product obtained was characterised by means of NMR, FT-IR and ESI MS spectroscopy. Compositions with typical hardeners were prepared and cured. The thermal and mechanical properties of the resulting materials were evaluated. Comparison with commercially available epoxy resin Epidian 5 shows relatively good mechanical performance of IS-EPO which makes isosorbide a promising candidate to replace bisphenol A (BPA).