Bio-based thermoset alloys from epoxy acrylate, sesame oil- and castor oil-derived resins: Renewable alternatives to vinyl ester and unsaturated polyester resins

Abstract

This study deals with the synthesis of vegetable oil (VO)-derived formulated resins with high bio-based content (30–77%) as potential renewable alternatives to conventional fossil-based vinyl ester (VE) and unsaturated polyester (UP) resins. First, epoxy acrylate was synthesized from a commercial epoxy resin via acrylation with acrylic acid. Then, acrylated epoxidized sesame oil (AESSO) and maleated castor oil (MCO) were synthesized and spectrally characterized. Afterward, networks of VE, AESSO, and MCO or their binary blends were prepared. The curing trend of the resins was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry. According to thermal and thermomechanical analysis, all of the VO-based networks possessed slightly inferior properties compared to those of VE. However, the adhesion strength of the VO-based alloying systems was higher than that of their petroleum-based counterpart based on T-peel and lap shear tests. Overall, it was concluded that the bio-resourced alloys could be considered as good alternatives to VE and UP resins, and the novel bio-resin formulations may be designed for adhesives, the polymer–matrix composites, and surface coating applications.