Organic-inorganic hybrids from renewable plant oils and clay
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Morphology Control for Fully Printable Organic–Inorganic Bulk-heterojunction Solar Cells Based on a Ti-alkoxide and Semiconducting Polymer
Published on: January 10, 2017
Hiroshi Uyama1, Mai Kuwabara, Takashi Tsujimoto
1Department of Materials Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan. uyama@mat.polym.kyoto-u.ac.jp
Abstract:
This study deals with the preparation and properties of a new class of organic-inorganic hybrids from renewable resources. The hybrids were synthesized by an acid-catalyzed curing of epoxidized triglycerides in the presence of an organophilic montmorillonite (a modified clay). The mechanical properties were improved by the incorporation of clay in the oil-based polymer matrix. The reinforcement effect due to the addition of clay was confirmed by dynamic viscoelasticity analysis. The hybrids showed relatively high thermal stability. The co-curing of epoxidized soybean and linseed oils in the presence of clay produced hybrids with controlled mechanical and coating properties. The barrier property of the hybrid towards water vapor was superior to that of the oil polymer. The development of the present hybrids consisting of inexpensive renewable resources, triglyceride and clay is expected to contribute to global sustainability.
Related Concept Videos
Bioplastics
Olefin Metathesis Polymerization: Overview
Ruthenium-based Grubbs catalyst is the most commonly used catalyst for olefin metathesis polymerization. Grubbs catalyst consists of a...
Biofuels
Green Algae
Characteristics and Nomenclature of Homopolymers
Polymer Classification: Architecture

