Preparation and Characterization of Thermosetting Moulding Tannin Resin Based Plastic

Natural plastic based on tannin-furfuryl alcohol-glyoxal-epoxy resin (TFGE) has been prepared by the co-condensation of tannin, furfuryl alcohol, glyoxal and epoxy resin under acidic condition in laboratory. The mechanical properties of the plastic were characterized by compressive strength, three-point bending strength and Brinell hardness tests. The microcosmic of the plastic was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The water resistance ability of the plastic was characterized by contact angle and surface energy tests. The curing property of TFGE resin was characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results show that the curing temperature of TFG resin and the network structure of the resin system increased by the addition of epoxy resin in tannin resin system. Thus, the cured TFGE plastic has higher Brinell hardness, compressive strength, flexural strength and better water resistance compared with phenolic plastics (PF).