Synthesis, Curing Behavior, and Performance of a Novel Equol‐Based Benzoxazine Resin

Abstract

ABSTRACT A partially bio‐based benzoxazine monomer was synthesized from renewable equol, furfurylamine, and paraformaldehyde via Mannich condensation. The chemical structure was confirmed by 1 H NMR and 13 C NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HR‐MS). The polymerization behavior of the resin was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and micro‐scale combustion calorimetry (MCC) were employed to evaluate thermal stability and flammability. The resulting bio‐thermoset exhibits a high char‐forming tendency and low flammability, with T d10 at 427°C, T g at 238°C, heat‐release capacity (HRC) of 64 J·g −1 ·K −1 , and total heat release (THR) of 10.5 kJ·g −1 . This work provides a facile route to a novel partially bio‐based benzoxazine from renewable building blocks that combine excellent processability with superior thermal and flame‐retardant performance, offering significant promise for high‐performance fire‐safe materials.