1 research outputs found
Epoxy Resin Monomers with Reduced Skin Sensitizing Potency
Epoxy
resin monomers (ERMs), especially diglycidyl ethers of bisphenol
A and F (DGEBA and DGEBF), are extensively used as building blocks
for thermosetting polymers. However, they are known to commonly cause
skin allergy. This research describes a number of alternative ERMs,
designed with the aim of reducing the skin sensitizing potency while
maintaining the ability to form thermosetting polymers. The compounds
were designed, synthesized, and assessed for sensitizing potency using
the in vivo murine local lymph node assay (LLNA). All six epoxy resin
monomers had decreased sensitizing potencies compared to those of
DGEBA and DGEBF. With respect to the LLNA EC<sub>3</sub> value, the
best of the alternative monomers had a value approximately 2.5 times
higher than those of DGEBA and DGEBF. The diepoxides were reacted
with triethylenetetramine, and the polymers formed were tested for
technical applicability using thermogravimetric analysis and differential
scanning calorimetry. Four out of the six alternative ERMs gave polymers
with a thermal stability comparable to that obtained with DGEBA and
DGEBF. The use of improved epoxy resin monomers with less skin sensitizing
effects is a direct way to tackle the problem of contact allergy to
epoxy resin systems, particularly in occupational settings, resulting
in a reduction in the incidence of allergic contact dermatitis