Cellular Structure Optimization in Microwave-Assisted Foaming of Acrylated Epoxidized Soybean Oil

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Sustainable Materials

Background:

• Biobased polymers offer sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based materials.
• Soybean oil is a versatile feedstock for developing renewable polymers.
• Efficient processing methods are crucial for commercializing biobased foams.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the microwave-assisted foaming of acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) resins.
• To explore the effect of precuring on foam morphology and properties.
• To establish a rapid and effective method for producing tailored biofoams.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a household microwave oven for rapid heating and simultaneous curing.
• Employed rheometric analysis to study curing kinetics and precuring effects.
• Characterized foam morphology, density, and mechanical properties.

Main Results:

• AESO resins foamed effectively within 2 minutes of microwave irradiation.
• Peroxide-initiated curing occurred rapidly between 100-120 °C.
• Optimal foam structure achieved with precuring below the gel point (0.37 g/cm³, 190 μm cells, 1.84 MPa modulus).

Conclusions:

• Microwave processing is a viable method for rapid AESO biofoam production.
• Precuring control is key to tailoring foam cellular structure and properties.
• This technology holds potential for efficient manufacturing of sustainable biofoams.