Effect of Plant Oil Derived Bio-Resin and Curing Temperature on Static and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Network

The depletion of petrochemical resources and greater worldwide environmental consciousness has led to a growing interest in polymers made from renewable resources during the last two decades. Hence, this work has attempted to reduce the dependence on petroleum-based epoxy by partially replacing it with epoxidized castor oil (ECO). The ECO was blended with epoxy at 10, 20, and 30% and cured with amine hardener. The effect of bio-resin on tensile, flexural, impact strength and dynamic mechanical properties were investigated. Further, the result of post curing temperature on static and dynamic properties was examined. It was found that the addition of ECO up to 30% increased the impact strength. The 20% ECO sample showed balanced stiffness to toughness property and could be considered for semi-structural composite applications. The post curing of samples at 150C showed better mechanical and dynamic properties except for impact strength.