News Coatings Technologies
Advances in the synthesis and modification of bio-based flame-retardant epoxy resins
A comprehensive overview of bio-based flame-retardant epoxy resins, their synthesis, mechanisms, and potential for sustainable applications in adhesives, coatings, and high-performance composites.
Epoxy resins (EPs) are widely used in adhesives, coatings, and high-performance composites due to their excellent properties, such as high strength, dimensional stability, and chemical resistance. However, a major disadvantage of these materials is their insufficient flame retardancy, which limits their range of applications. At the same time, the growing demand for sustainable alternatives is fuelled by environmental concerns such as climate change and the depletion of fossil resources.
A recent review highlights advancements in the development of intrinsically flame-retardant EPs, including resins based on phosphate esters, phosphaphenanthrene, and cyclotriphosphazene, alongside their flame-retardant mechanisms. The focus is particularly on bio-based EPs derived from sustainable raw materials such as eugenol, cardanol, rosin, vegetable oils, and vanillin. These materials show promising properties that enhance both performance and environmental compatibility.
Event Tip: EC Conference Frontiers in Fire Protective Coatings
With stricter regulations, rising sustainability requirements and modern construction methods, the field of fire-protective coatings is evolving rapidly. Join leading experts on 13 – 14 April 2026 in Copenhagen, Denmark, to discuss the latest scientific and technological advances, from bio-based flame-retardant systems and enhanced durability testing to next-generation intumescent technologies and digitalisation of certification and performance assessment processes.
Future perspectives for sustainable epoxy resins
The review explores the future development of bio-based flame-retardant EPs, including expanding raw material options, optimising synthesis and processing methods, ensuring long-term stability, and conducting life cycle and sustainability analyses. These efforts are crucial for promoting the production and application of environmentally friendly epoxy resins and advancing sustainability in the chemical industry.
Source: Zhang, X., Yang, Y., Ding, N., Chen, G., Yang, W., & Ma, P., Advances in the synthesis and modification of bio-based flame-retardant epoxy resins. Polymer Chemistry, 2026. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.porgcoat.2025.109817.
