Biobased epoxy compounds for biocomposites
Nagase ChemeX Corporation offers the bio-based epoxy compounds "GREEN DENACOL," which has a biomass content close to 100%, as well as the bio-based epoxy-modified product "GREEN DENATITE," which combines high bio-based content with excellent functionality. Both products are available in various grades to suit different applications.
What is GREEN DENACOL?
GREEN DENACOL is a plant-derived bio-based epoxy compounds developed by the Nagase ChemteX Corporation.
This advanced material helps reduce carbon dioxide emissions through the photosynthesis process of its
plant-based raw materials. The product line features highly reactive formulations available in both
hydrophilic (water-soluble) and hydrophobic variants.
Some products are also USDA certified and have obtained the Biomass Mark, making them environmentally
friendly products that comply with relevant laws, standards, and regulations related to quality and
safety.
Learn more about GREEN DENACOL
What is GREEN DENATITE?
GREEN DENATITE is an epoxy composite material modified for various applications by combining it with hardeners and additives suitable for GREEN DENACOL. While maintaining a high biomass content, it achieves a balance of properties such as low viscosity, high strength, and high glass transition temperature (Tg). It supports a wide range of uses, including matrix resins for FRP (fiber-reinforced plastics), room-temperature curing adhesives, and casting/molded materials with biomass fillers. This contributes to CO₂ reduction and the development of sustainable materials in the mobility sector.
Introduction to Biocomposite Materials
In recent years, growing environmental consciousness has sparked significant interest in biocomposite materials as sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics.
What Are Biocomposite Materials?
Composite materials combine two or more distinct raw materials to create an integrated product. "Biocomposites specifically incorporate biomass-derived elements into traditional petroleum-based materials."
Biocomposite Materials’ Composition
Biocomposite materials comprise two main components: reinforcements and matrix materials.
Natural Fiber Reinforcements (Flax, Jute, Cellulose, Hemp, etc.)
Reinforcing agents enhance a material’s strength and rigidity. Natural fibers are the most widely utilized reinforcements in biocomposites.
Flax
Flax is a natural fiber obtained from the stalks of the flax plant and is widely used as a reinforcing material in biocomposite materials. It is a lightweight and high-strength fiber hat is eco-friendly.
Jute
Derived from the jute plant, these fibers are cost-effective and readily accessible. Although slightly less robust than other options, jute’s high biodegradability in soil makes it an environmentally attractive material gaining significant attention.
Cellulose
Cellulose fibers, which constitute the primary component of plant cell walls, represent the most abundant organic compound on Earth. These versatile fibers are extracted from various sources including wood pulp, cotton, and hemp. In recent years, bacterial cellulose—synthesized by microorganisms—has garnered significant attention in materials science. Its exceptional purity and uniform fiber structure make it particularly promising for advanced functional materials applications.
Matrix Materials (Bio-derived Resins, Recycled Plastics, Epoxy Compounds)
Matrix materials form the second critical component of biocomposites, functioning to bind and integrate the natural fiber reinforcements into a cohesive structure.
- Bio-derived Resins
- Bio-derived resins are formulated from renewable plant-based resources. These innovative materials match petroleum-based synthetic resins in durability and heat resistance while offering superior recyclability.
- Recycled Plastics
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Recycled plastics are produced by collecting and repurposing post-consumer plastic waste.
When incorporating recycled plastics as matrix materials in biocomposites, engineers must carefully assess compatibility with reinforcement fibers and ensure the resulting composite meets the required performance specifications. Additionally, since most plastics contain various additives, special attention must be paid to maintaining consistent quality and uniformity throughout the material.
- Epoxy Compounds
- Epoxy compounds are widely utilized across various applications due to their exceptional adhesion properties, strength, and chemical resistance. In biocomposite formulations, they demonstrate excellent compatibility with natural fibers, resulting in superior mechanical performance.
GREEN DENACOL, developed by Nagase ChemeX Corporation, is an epoxy compound suitable for biocomposite applications.
Fillers and Additives (Chalk, Starch, Crop Residues)
Biocomposite materials often incorporate fillers and additives to enhance specific properties or reduce production costs. These supplementary components allow manufacturers to fine-tune material characteristics to meet precise application requirements.
Chalk
Calcium carbonate-based chalk serves as a widely used filler in biocomposites due to its affordability, accessibility, and high degree of whiteness. Its incorporation increases material density and enhances hardness properties in the final composite.
Starch
Plant-derived starch has emerged as a promising biodegradable filler option. It regulates moisture absorption characteristics and improves the material’s moldability during processing.
Crop Residues
Crop residues encompass agricultural byproducts such as sugarcane bagasse, rice husks, and corn stalks that remain after harvest. Utilizing these materials as fillers delivers multiple benefits including reducing agricultural waste, promoting resource efficiency, decreasing overall weight, and enhancing thermal insulation properties of the resulting biocomposite.
Comparison of Biocomposites and Conventional Composites
Biocomposites represent an innovative class of materials designed to reduce environmental impact. When compared to conventional composite materials, several key differences emerge.
Raw Materials and Composition
| Item | Biocomposites | Conventional Composites |
|---|---|---|
| Reinforcing Materials |
Natural fibers | Glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, etc. |
| Matrix | Plant-based resins (renewable resources), recycled plastics, etc. |
Petroleum-based resins (non-renewable resources) |
| Fillers/ Additives |
Chalk, starch, agricultural crop residues, etc. | Glass beads, calcium carbonate, talc, pigments, etc. |
Environmental Impact
| Item | Biocomposites | Conventional Composites |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Materials | Plant-derived resources (Renewable resources) |
Petroleum-derived resources (Non-renewable resources) |
| CO₂ Emissions | Lower | Higher |
Disposal and Processing
| Item | Biocomposites | Conventional Composites |
|---|---|---|
| Disposal | While incineration is still common, relatively lower CO₂ emissions result from reduced petroleum-based content. Materials for fully biodegradable applications are currently under development. |
Typically disposed of in landfills or through incineration, creating challenges with landfill capacity and significant CO₂ emissions. |
| Processing | Basically the same as conventional composites, though some variants offer biodegradability. | Processing is difficult and high cost. Recycling technology is still in the development stage. |
Bio-based Composite Matrix’s Role
The performance characteristics of biocomposites are significantly influenced by the selection of an appropriate matrix resin. Beyond its primary function of binding and integrating natural fiber reinforcements, the matrix resin serves several critical purposes: it distributes applied loads throughout the material while enhancing overall strength, durability, water resistance, and heat resistance.
GREEN DENACOL offers a comprehensive range of grades designed to meet diverse application requirements. This versatility allows engineers to select the optimal formulation based on specific performance criteria. By providing tailored solutions that address customer requirements for viscosity, reactivity, and functionality, GREEN DENACOL contributes substantially to advancing biocomposite performance across various industries.
Inquiries and Sample Requests
For more information or sample requests, please feel free to contact us.