Synthesis, Characterization and Application of Biobased Unsaturated Polyester Resin Reinforced with Unmodified/Modified Biosilica Nanoparticles

Abstract

This paper presents sustainable technology for environmentally friendly composite production. Biobased unsaturated polyester resin (b-UPR), synthesized from waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) glycosylate and renewable origin maleic anhydride (MAnh) and propylene glycol (PG), was reinforced with unmodified and vinyl-modified biosilica nanoparticles obtained from rice husk. The structural and morphological properties of the obtained particles, b-UPR, as well as composites, were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The study of the influence of biosilica modification on the mechanical properties of composites was supported by hardness modeling. Improvement of the tensile strength of the b-UPR-based composite at 2.5 wt.% addition of biosilica modified with vinyl silane, named “b-UPR/SiO2-V” composite, has been achieved with 88% increase. The thermal aging process applied to the b-UPR/SiO2-V composite, which simulates use over the product’s lifetime, leads to the deterioration of composites that were used as fillers in commercial unsaturated polyester resin (c-UPR). The grinded artificially aged b-UPR composites were used as filler in c-UPR for the production of a table top layer with outstanding mechanical properties, i.e., impact resistance and microhardness, as well as fire resistance rated in the V-0 category according to the UL-94 test. Developing sustainable composites that are chemically synthesized from renewable sources is important from the aspect of preserving the environment and existing resources as well as the extending their life cycle.

Fabrication and Characterization of a Bioscaffold Using Hydroxyapatite and Unsaturated Polyester Resin

“…Polyesters are used in a variety of bioresorbable surgical products, including tissue scaffolds, medication vehicles, and conventional healthcare products. Polyesters are capable of being manufactured to generate comfortable polymeric scaffolds that can substitute elastic tissues in the fields of cardiology and ophthalmology and have great physical characteristics as well as being tailored to coincide with the original tissue. , The following has been observed in the research where the rat myocardium was repaired using a polyester polymeric material . Polyesters have some benefits compared to conventional orthopedic biomaterials since they are more flexible and lightweight compared to alternative biomaterials.…”

Hygroscopicity and Morphology of Bio-Based Boards—The Influence of the Formulation

“…Past research has already considered bio-based building composites and assessed their properties. Both bio-wastes (such as agro-industrial wastes) and bio-resources have been investigated (such as straw [8], corn pith [9], rice husk [10], banana fibers [11], hemp shives [12], and reed [13]). Depending on the biomaterials used, the bio-based composites demonstrated different promising properties, namely, good thermal insulation performance, sound absorption capacity, high hygroscopicity, or adequate mechanical resistance.…”