Characterization of the Thermoset Blend of a Vinyl Ester Resin with Eco-friendly Epoxidized Corn Oil as a Potential Sustainable Composite Matrix Resin

Abstract

In this work, we investigated the influence of a novel green flameretardant thermoset complex matrix resin, VEECO, produced by thermoset blending of epoxidized corn oil (ECO) with a vinyl ester (VE) resin. The new polymer blend was made with the ECO content at an optimal amount of 15%. After characterization, it was discovered that the VEECO15 blend cured at 8 h had its glass transition improved by 6.38%. Regarding its mechanical properties, the improvements were as follows: flexural strength, 19.36%; modulus, 123.53%; and impact energy, 29.08%. The flammability property for the heat release rate was improved by 20.62% and, most importantly, emissions of CO and CO 2 were reduced by 62.73 and 49.34%, respectively, demonstrating its potential for sustainability. As a result of the proposed synthesis mechanism, the hydrogen bonding suggests the introduction of ECO as a biobased polymeric material. Overall, the polymer blend offers a new source of hybrid eco-thermoset resin that could mitigate the increasing consumption and environmental impact of BPA-based thermoset polymers. This material is expected to be a potential source of sustainable composites for a rapidly growing carbon-free society and eco-friendly urban development.

Recycling of Epoxy Resins with Degradable Structures or Dynamic Cross-Linking Networks: A Review

“…The use of biomass materials will help alleviate the dependence of EPR on nonrenewable resources and accelerate the sustainable development of EPR . Additionally, biomass materials are widely available in nature, providing ample space for the design of multifunctional, degradable EPR. , Among the various biomass materials, lignin, as the second-largest natural polymer in nature after cellulose, with abundant reserves, has the potential to maintain EPR’s mechanical properties due to its high content of phenyl rings in its structure . However, its development level does not correspond proportionally to its reserves at present, and the backwardness of the biomass raw material monomer industry chain will be one of the reasons hindering the industrialization of biobased EPR in the future.…”