Curing of epoxidized linseed oil: Investigation of the curing reaction with different hardener types

Abstract

The effect of the hardener type and amount on the curing reaction and the resulting thermal and mechanical performance characteristics of epoxidized linseed oil are studied in detail. The analysis of the curing mechanism reveals that due to steric hindrance, side reactions and/or fast gelation, the optimal mixing ratio of bio-based epoxy resins and hardeners has to be determined experimentally and cannot be calculated. The investigated thermosets exhibit a glass transition temperature of 12, 54, and 145°C after curing. The overall mechanical performance of the resulting resin ranges from soft and flexible to stiff and rigid, depending on the hardener type applied, which can be utilized in the formation of epoxy composites and coatings.