Application of Biomass-Derived Epoxy Resin Composition for Molding Compounds

Abstract

SynopsisA more sustainable society by promoting global production that reduces the environmental burden of a product throughout its life cycle is required. We are currently researching the use of woody biomass, particularly the application of woody lignin to the epoxy resin widely used in modern electric and electronic equipment. We have investigated the use of lignin derivatives as molding materials. Melt viscosities of molding compounds containing lignin derivatives as hardening agents were higher than that of a commercially-available molding compound. However, other mechanical and electrical properties of hardened compounds were comparable to those of the hardened commercially-available molding compound. We have successfully applied the molding compound containing lignin to mold a stator of a prototype of motor. Results suggest that woody lignin has great potential for application to electric devices.(Received February 28, 2011 ; Accepted April 11, 2011)