Pyrolysis oil substituted epoxy resin: Improved ratio optimization and crosslinking efficiency

The objective of this study was to determine the compatibility of whole pyrolysis oil (PO) of pine as a substitute for the phenolic component of epoxy resins (ER). Pyrolysis oil-based epoxy resin (POBER) was synthesized by modification of EPON828 ER with PO at various mixing ratios (1 : 3-1 : 8, PO:EPON828, w/w). Acetone extraction determined that a ratio of 1 : 7-1 : 8 resulted in a fully reacted thermoset, leaving neither PO nor EPON828 in a significantly unreacted state. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) revealed that a ratio of 1 : 8 produced the highest storage modulus (E'); in addition, it was determined that this ratio provided a superior glass transition temperature (Tg) of 120 degrees C and crosslinking density of 1891 mol/m(3). FTIR spectra concluded that the reaction between the EPON828 and PO was complete at the 1 : 8 ratio, citing the removal of hydroxyl and epoxide peaks within the cured product. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42239.