Exploring the effect of styrene and anhydride ratio on the coating properties of non-drying vegetable oil based alkyd resin

The synthesis of oxy-polymerizable alkyd from non-drying palm kernel oil was studied. Three alkyd resins of medium oil length were prepared using phthalic anhydride, maleic anhydride, and glycerol at stipulated ratios. The prepared alkyd resins were copolymerized with styrene using benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as the free radical generator at 150 °C for 3 h. The styrenated alkyds and palm kernel oil-modified alkyds were all characterized for their physico-chemical properties following standard methods. The styrenated and unstyrenated alkyds were tested for drying schedule, solubility, adhesion, abrasion resistance and chemical resistance. All the resins showed good properties. The styrenated alkyds gave faster drying time, better adhesion, abrasion resistance, and chemical resistance. Unlike the unstyrenated alkyd which was only resistant to water, brine, and acidic media, the styrenated alkyds were also resistant to alkalis. Structural elucidation of the raw materials and their copolymers was done with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and GC-MS instrumental technique. It can be concluded that styrenated alkyds offer improved potential applications in surface coating purposes.