Triglyceride-based thermosetting resins with different reactive diluents and fiber reinforced composite applications

Recently, there has been a growing research interest on renewable composite due to sustainability concerns. This work demonstrates the possibilities of bio-based reactive diluents and thermoset resin systems in composite applications from an engineering point of view. Formulating bio-based resins and monomers with different reactive diluents can tailor the physical and mechanical properties of the polymer system, allowing them to be suitable for different applications. In addition to the traditional reactive diluents, bio-based methacrylated fatty acid (MFA) was used in the formulations. Increasing the MFA content increases the toughness and the bio-based content of thermosetting polymers while reducing the hazardous air pollutant emissions. Composites panels with fiber glass and natural fiber reinforcement using selected bio-based resin formulations showed good mechanical properties and exhibited similar physical performance to parts made with commercial petroleum derived resins.