Structural characterization of bio-modified epoxy resin by using MALDI-TOF

Polymers and polymer composites have wide application in every industrial field, and are a subject of continuous research from different scientific aspects [1,2]. However, most commercial polymers are oil refinery based products. Recently, due to a growing concern for oil depletion, researchers have been focused on modification of polymers, as well as reinforcements [3,4]. Epoxy resin is the most commonly used adhesive that can be improved with fiber or particle reinforcements, or by using chemical modifiers. Modifying agents from renewable resources show potential in replacing oil-based compounds, because of their abundance, low price and heterogeneous structure that offers number of reactive groups [5]. In our research, honey was used as a bio-based modifier for diglycidyl ether of bisphenolA (DGEBA) based epoxy resin, with the aim of investigating structural changes. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry [6] was used as a powerful technique that is able to reveal presence of functional groups and modified epoxy resin structure. In this manner, successful chemical modification of epoxy resin was confirmed, which further opened the path for the investigation of honey potential as epoxy modifying agent.