Effect of Plant Oil Derived Bio-Resin and Curing Temperature on Static and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Network

The depletion of petrochemical resources and greater worldwide environmental consciousness has led to a growing interest in polymers made from renewable resources during the last two decades. Hence, this work has attempted to reduce the dependence on petroleum-based epoxy by partially replacing it with epoxidized castor oil (ECO). The ECO was blended with epoxy at 10, 20, and 30% and cured with amine hardener. The effect of bio-resin on tensile, flexural, impact strength and dynamic mechanical properties were investigated. Further, the result of post-curing temperature on static and dynamic properties was examined. It was found that the addition of ECO up to 30% increased the impact strength. The 20% ECO sample showed balanced stiffness to toughness property and could be considered for semi-structural composite applications. The post-curing of samples at 150 °C showed better mechanical and dynamic properties except for impact strength.