Isosorbide-derived epoxy resins and methods of making same

Abstract

Isosorbide-derived epoxies and methods of making same are disclosed. Isosorbide and its isomers are attached to glycidyl ether to make crosslinkable epoxy resin monomers. Adding the hydrophobic functional group into the backbone of isosorbide epoxy or adjusting the amount and type of crosslinker is operable to modify the mechanical properties and water uptake ratio (from <1 wt % to >50 wt %) of the isosorbide-derived epoxies for different uses. High water uptake epoxies with controllable biodegradation rate are suitable for drug delivery systems or extracellular matrices for biomedical applications, while low water uptake epoxies with strong mechanical properties may be used for can coatings, bone cements and other industrial additives and adhesives.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.