From Fossil to Bio-Based AESO-TiO2 Microcomposite for Engineering Applications

  • 0Centre of Advanced Research in Bionanoconjugates and Biopolymers, "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41A Gr. Ghica-Voda Alley, 700487 Iasi, Romania.

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Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study presents a green synthesis for eco-friendly polymers from soybean oil. The resulting material, enhanced with TiO2 microparticles, shows improved thermal stability and hydrophobicity for various applications.

Area Of Science

  • Materials Science
  • Green Chemistry
  • Polymer Science

Background

  • Growing environmental concerns necessitate replacing petroleum-based materials with renewable resources.
  • Vegetable oils offer a sustainable source for developing eco-friendly polymers for diverse applications.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To develop a simplified, green synthesis pathway for a thermally curable matrix from epoxidized soybean oil.
  • To characterize the pristine matrix and a composite incorporating TiO2 microparticles.

Main Methods

  • Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)
  • Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)
  • Thermogravimetry (TGA)
  • Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
  • Broadband dielectric spectrometry
  • Contact angle measurements

Main Results

  • A solvent-free, thermally curable matrix was synthesized using epoxidized soybean oil, acrylic acid, a reactive diluent, and a catalyst.
  • The composite with 2% TiO2 microparticle filler exhibited enhanced thermal stability (lower mass loss, higher degradation temperature), increased glass transition temperature (-10 °C vs. -20 °C), improved hydrophobicity (contact angle 96° vs. 88°), and superior dielectric properties compared to the pristine matrix.

Conclusions

  • The developed microcomposite demonstrates excellent properties making it suitable for protective coatings, capacitors, sensors, and electronic circuits.
  • This research contributes to advancements in green chemistry and the development of sustainable materials.