Development of a novel epoxy resin based on epoxidized chia oil as matrix and maleinized chia oil as bio-renewable crosslinker

In this work novel thermosetting resins with high bio-based content have been developed derived from chia seed oil (CO). Epoxidized chia seed oil (ECO) was used as bio-based epoxy matrix with different mixtures of crosslinker agents, that is, methyl nadic anhydride (MNA) as petroleum-derived and maleinized chia seed oil (MCO) as bio-based crosslinker. The chemically modified oils from CO, that is, ECO and MCO, and MNA were analyzed by titration and FT-IR. Additional H-1 NMR analysis was performed to characterize MCO structure. Two different behaviors were observed using the mixtures of crosslinkers. On one hand, MNA increases the rigidity with bio-based content of 54.2%. On the other hand, the addition of MCO provides higher ductility with bio-based content up to 98%. The same trend was observed by DMTA analysis. The novel cured resins were successfully crosslinked as demonstrated by the mechanical properties, FT-IR analyses, and gel content. Based on the results, it is concluded that MCO presents higher reactivity than MNA, decreasing curing time with possible energy saving at industrial level. In general, the results showed that adding the appropriate amount of MCO, green thermosetting resins with the desired thermal and mechanical properties can be manufactured with high bio-based content.

Automated summary

Novel thermosetting resins with high bio-based content were developed from chia seed oil using epoxidized chia seed oil as a bio-based epoxy matrix and different mixtures of crosslinker agents. The addition of methyl nadic anhydride increased rigidity, while maleinized chia seed oil provided higher ductility with high bio-based content. The cured resins showed desired thermal and mechanical properties and had the potential for energy savings at an industrial level.