2-[(Oxiran-2-ylmethoxy)methyl]furan: An efficient fully bio-based reactive diluent for epoxy resins

2-[(Oxiran-2-ylmethoxy)methyl]furan (FOM), a fully bio-based reactive diluent for epoxy resins, was prepared from 2-furanmethanol and glycerol-based epichlorohydrin. FOM was studied comparing to Cardura, as one of the most common commercial petroleum-based reactive diluents, in epoxy formulations.The viscosity of formulations was determined. Similar trends of curing process for the both epoxy formulations were achieved. Curing processes were investigated by FTIR analyses. DMTA of samples were also used to study properties of the epoxy thermosets. As a conclusion, FOM can be considered as a good reactive diluent candidate for polymer composites, adhesives and surface coatings.