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Silicon-containing soybean-oil-based copolymers. Synthesis and properties
Marta Sacristán1, Joan C Ronda, Marina Galià
1Departament de Quimica Analitica i Quimica Organica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Campus Sescelades, Marcel.lí Domingo s/n, 43007 Tarragona, Spain.
Biomacromolecules
|August 1, 2009
Summary
New silicon-containing copolymers derived from soybean oil offer a sustainable alternative to traditional thermosets. Incorporating silicon enhances flame retardancy and thermal stability in these bio-based polymers.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Sustainable Materials
Background:
- Traditional thermosets rely on non-renewable resources.
- Vegetable oil-based polymers offer a sustainable alternative.
- Enhancing the properties of bio-based thermosets is crucial for wider adoption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize novel silicon-containing soybean-oil-based copolymers.
- To investigate the effect of silicon incorporation on copolymer properties.
- To evaluate these materials as potential replacements for conventional thermosets.
Main Methods:
- Cationic polymerization of soybean oil, styrene, divinylbenzene, and p-trimethylsilylstyrene using boron trifluoride etherate.
- Soxhlet extraction and NMR spectroscopy for characterization.
- Thermal, dynamomechanical, and flame-retardant property analysis.
Main Results:
- Copolymers formed a cross-linked network plasticized with oligomers and unreacted oil.
- Increased silicon content in the feed led to a higher soluble fraction due to lower monomer reactivity.
- Obtained thermosets exhibited glass transition temperatures of 50–62°C, thermal stability below 350°C, and Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) values of 22.6–29.7.
Conclusions:
- Silicon-containing soybean-oil-based copolymers are viable alternatives to non-renewable thermosets.
- Covalently bonded silicon improves the flame-retardant properties of vegetable-oil-based thermosets.
- These novel materials show promise for applications requiring enhanced thermal and flame-retardant performance.
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