Mechanical properties of bio-epoxy resins and synthetic epoxy resins blends

Abstract

This paper studies the mechanical properties of bio-epoxy resins blended with synthetic epoxy resins (epoxamite). The bio-epoxy resins were derived from Jatropha methyl esters through epoxidation method. They were formulated with epoxamite and hardener at different compositions and then cured at different temperature and time settings. The cured blends were subjected to tensile and flexural tests using Instron machine. Tensile and flexural strength of the mixtures were compared with the 100% epoxamite in order to evaluate the suitability of bio-epoxy resins as an alternative to synthetic epoxy resins with respect to mechanical properties. Tensile strength of 100% epoxamite is 38.32 MPa and flexural strength is 63.32 MPa. The mixtures of bio-resins and epoxamite demonstrated very low mechanical strengths compared to the 100% epoxamite. Therefore, they are not suitable to be used as an alternative to synthetic epoxy resins in industrial applications. However, they may find other usage due to high reactivity of the bio-epoxy resins.

Epoxy and Bio-Based Epoxy Carbon Fiber Twill Composites: Comparison of the Quasi-Static Properties

“…On the other hand, the tensile tests showed the highest increase in the ultimate load of 7% for the epoxy modified with 30% bio-based resin with the lower EEW, while the addition of the resin with a higher EEW was detrimental to the tensile properties. Terry and Taylor [ 7 ] showed that fully bio-based monomers can be deleterious to the mechanical properties and glass transition temperature (Tg), which decreased with the addition of bio content, as also shown by Derahman et al [ 6 ]. For this reason, the use of partially bio-based epoxies can offer a valid alternative to lowering the carbon footprint for vacuum-infused composites in different industries such as automotive, marine, aerospace and wind energy.…”

“…For example, according to [ 3 ], epoxy resin synthesis has a significant environmental impact, since it negatively contributes to the total carbon footprint and accordingly to the greenhouse emissions of the automotive industry. Moreover, regulations [ 4 , 5 ] in terms of pollution and environment have been imposed to reduce the use of petrol-based and non-renewable components [ 6 , 7 ]. A possible solution to this issue is the replacement of the thermoset matrix with recyclable or renewable matrices.…”

“…Different works that have compared the mechanical properties of bio-based resins with those of epoxy resins have been reported in the literature to show whether the mechanical properties are comparable. Derahman et al [ 6 ] compared the mechanical properties of composite materials fabricated with a bio-based resin (obtained with Jatropha seed) produced by the authors and synthetic epoxy resin. The authors studied the mechanical properties of composite laminates made with a completely bio-based matrix and two different concentrations that use epoxy resin with 25% and 50% bio content.…”

“…However, although the mechanical properties of these resins seem promising, more research activities are necessary to compare the mechanical properties of composites made with bio-based resins to those of commonly used epoxy resin composites to guarantee a safe design and the structural integrity of the components. Furthermore, the possibility to use these resins for vacuum infusion processes should be also properly investigated, since the preliminary studies [ 6 , 7 ] reported an increase in the viscosity that could limit the use of vacuum infusion. The mechanical characterization of bio-based composite laminates is therefore fundamental and of utmost interest among universities and industry, since it represents the most promising way to lower the carbon footprint for manufacturers by using the same production technology.…”

Static and Impact Properties of Flax-Reinforced Polymers Prepared with Conventional Epoxy and Sustainable Resins

“…Numerous studies in the literature have compared the mechanical properties of bio-based resins with those of epoxy resins to evaluate their performance. Derahman et al [ 14 ] compared composite materials fabricated with a bio-based resin (derived from Jatropha seed) to synthetic epoxy resin. The mechanical tests revealed that the tensile and flexural properties of the bio-based resin composites were not comparable to epoxy resin composites, and the addition of bio content also had a detrimental effect on epoxy resin properties.…”