posted on 2024-01-11, 17:39authored byMatthias Feigel, Jonas M. Breitsameter, Bernhard Rieger, Olaf Hinrichsen
The development of
a production process of the sustainable epoxy
resin 1,2-epoxy-6-methyl-triglycidyl-3,4,5-cyclohexanetricarboxylate
(EGCHC) is presented. The three main sections of the suggested process
flowsheet follow the reaction steps beginning with allyl sorbate and
maleic anhydride. The Diels–Alder, allylation, and epoxidation
reactions are simulated in Aspen Plus V12 and connected to form a
single process train. To size and establish key process parameters,
simulations supported by kinetic data for each reaction are performed.
The [4 + 2]-cycloaddition and epoxidation are implemented in multitubular
plug flow reactors with downstream crystallizers for product purification.
The allylation reaction is carried out in a reactive distillation
column to separate the heavy boiling product from the condensate/allyl
alcohol mixture, which is further processed to regain allyl alcohol.
To decrease the intake of raw materials, recycle streams are added
to each sections. EGCHC is achieved with a purity of 95%, which can
be employed with standard curing agents to form dense cross-links
due to an average number of epoxy groups >3.96 in the product stream.
Furthermore, a techno-economic analysis is performed, showcasing a
competitive market price for EGCHC with the given process design in
the segment of biobased epoxy resins. This study demonstrates a comprehensive
strategy that allows for rapid implementation of a novel synthesis
process based on preliminary laboratory measurements and rating thereof.