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Self-Lubricating and Shape-Stable Phase-Change Materials Based on Epoxy Resin and Vegetable Oils
Svetlana O Ilyina1,2, Irina Y Gorbunova2, Veronika V Makarova1
1A.V. Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis, Russian Academy of Sciences, 29 Leninsky Prospect, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
Polymers
|October 14, 2023
Summary
This study integrates vegetable oils into epoxy polymers, creating novel materials. These oil-filled polymers offer potential as self-lubricating, low-noise alternatives with reduced friction.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Epoxy resins are versatile polymers with widespread applications.
- Incorporating phase-change materials (PCMs) into polymers can enhance their thermal properties.
- Vegetable oils offer a sustainable and cost-effective source for PCMs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel method for dispersing vegetable oils within an epoxy resin matrix.
- To investigate the miscibility and phase behavior of epoxy-oil mixtures.
- To characterize the properties of the resulting oil-filled epoxy polymers for potential applications.
Main Methods:
- Temporary miscibility achieved by heating epoxy resin (bisphenol A-based) and hardener (4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone) with vegetable oil.
- Laser interferometry used to study miscibility and calculate phase state diagrams.
- Rotational rheometry, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic mechanical analysis employed for property characterization.
Main Results:
- Uniform dispersion of 3-14 µm oil droplets achieved in cured epoxy polymer containing up to 20% oil.
- Minimal impact of oil on epoxy curing kinetics and viscosity.
- Slight plasticization of the epoxy matrix by oil, lowering glass transition temperature and elastic modulus.
Conclusions:
- Novel dispersed phase-change materials created by incorporating vegetable oils into epoxy resins.
- Materials exhibit potential as self-lubricating, low-noise components due to dispersed oil.
- Palm oil is better suited for phase-change applications, while coconut oil excels at friction reduction.
Keywords:
epoxy resinfrictionmiscibilityphase-change materialsrheologyself-lubricationthermophysical propertiesvegetable oilMore Related Videos
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