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Injecting Sustainability into Epoxy-Based Composite Materials by Using Bio-Binder from Hydrothermal Liquefaction
Philip Agbo1, Abhijeet Mali1, Ajit D Kelkar2
1Department of Nanoengineering, Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, North Carolina A&T State University, 2907 E Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, NC 27401, USA.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 10, 2024
Summary
A novel epoxy system utilizes microalgae-derived bio-binder from hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) to enhance thermal and mechanical properties. This sustainable bio-binder improves epoxy performance, offering a greener alternative for the epoxy industry.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Green Chemistry
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Conventional epoxy resins face challenges related to environmental impact and performance limitations.
- Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) processing offers a pathway to derive valuable bio-binders from microalgae.
- Developing sustainable alternatives for epoxy systems is crucial for reducing carbon footprint and waste.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a transformative epoxy system using a microalgae-derived bio-binder.
- To evaluate the bio-binder's efficacy as both a curing agent and a performance enhancer for epoxy resins.
- To assess the impact of this bio-binder on the thermal and mechanical properties of epoxy composites.
Main Methods:
- Microalgae were processed using hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) to obtain a bio-binder.
- The bio-binder was incorporated into a conventional epoxy resin (EPON 862) at 35 wt.%.
- Thermal stability (thermogravimetric analysis) and mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, impact tests) were evaluated and compared to a commercial epoxy system (EPON 862/EPIKURE W).
Main Results:
- The epoxy/bio-binder system demonstrated superior thermal stability compared to the conventional epoxy.
- The temperature of 60% weight loss increased from 394 °C to 428 °C.
- Tensile, flexural, and impact performance improved by up to 64% with the addition of the bio-binder.
Conclusions:
- Microalgae-derived bio-binders from HTL processing represent a viable and high-performance alternative to conventional epoxy hardeners.
- This innovative epoxy/bio-binder system offers enhanced thermal and mechanical properties, contributing to a more sustainable epoxy industry.
- The research presents a significant opportunity to reduce the carbon footprint and waste associated with epoxy-based materials.
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