Increasing efforts are being devoted to researching and developing bio-based materials that can effectively replace petroleum-based polymers in order to address the environmental and health concerns associated with their production, use, and end-of-life. Epoxidized vegetable oils are among those bio-based materials that have demonstrated high mechanical performance and enhanced functionalities. Epoxidized sucrose soyate (ESS) is a bio-based thermoset resin derived from sucrose and soybean oil that can be used in a wide range of applications such as adhesives, coatings, and composites due to its excellent properties, and therefore be considered a promising alternative for conventional BPA-based resins. However, to ensure the environmental sustainability of ESS, a comprehensive assessment over its entire life cycle is required to identify potential risks for both humans and the environment.  A cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment (LCA) allows investigating the environmental performance of ESS across its entire supply chain rather than at just one stage. In our previous study, we conducted a cradle-to-gate LCA of ESS and ESS-based composite where we demonstrated ESS resin and biocomposite have a relatively favorable carbon footprint and thus ESS can be a more sustainable substitution for traditional petroleum-based epoxy thermoset resins.  In this study, we aim to include the post-consumption stage of ESS in our model to support our decision tools by creating a full cradle to grave LCA. We studied the biodegradability of ESS resin and ESS biocomposite in wastewater and in the soil as their potential end-of-life scenarios. We measured biodegradation of ESS in wastewater based on the biological oxygen demand of the material over time using a respirometer according to the Hach standard method. For biodegradation in the soil test, we followed the ASTM D5988 based on carbon generation during incubation of ESS in soil. The results show that ESS is readily biodegradable in wastewater and when buried in soil due to microorganisms' attack on ester linkages. However, cross-linked ESS displays a lower biodegradation rate. Our cradle to grave LCA study provides a full picture of the environmental and health performance of ESS as a replacement for BPA-based resins that can be used by a variety of stakeholders for decision making.

Cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment of epoxidized sucrose soyate thermoset resin

ACS Fall 2021

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