# Assessment of the Effect of Phosphorus in the Structure of Epoxy Resin Synthesized from Natural Phenol–Eugenol on Thermal Resistance

## TL;DR

This study examines how adding phosphorus to an epoxy resin made from eugenol affects its thermal resistance and fire safety properties.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is the synthesis of phosphorus-modified epoxy resin from natural eugenol and its evaluation for enhanced thermal stability and reduced flammability.

## Key findings

- Phosphorus-modified eugenol-based resin forms a significant char residue during thermal degradation.
- The resin shows reduced heat release rate and heat release capacity compared to petrochemical-based resins.
- Thermal stability was analyzed using TGA/FTIR and PCFC, with SEM confirming structural changes in cured castings.

## Abstract

This work aimed to investigate the thermal properties of phosphorus-modified epoxy resin obtained from eugenol derivatives and cured with different amines: aliphatic—triethylenetetramine (TETA); aromatic—diaminodiphenylmethane (DDM); and cycloaliphatic—isophoronediamine (IDA). The thermal stability was investigated through both thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) coupled to a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (TGA/FTIR) and pyrolysis–combustion flow calorimetry (PCFC). The structures of the cured castings and the char residues were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Eugenol-based resin during thermal degradation is covered with a significant amount of char residue and is characterized by a reduced value of heat release rate (HRR) and heat release capacity (HRC) compared with the resin based on petrochemicals.