Polymer Sciences Open Access

Integration of industrial by-products into bio-sourced resins and composites

4^th Edition of International Conference on Polymer Science and Technology

June 04-05, 2018 London, UK

Erol Dan Licsandru, Monika Rymarczyk, Aratz Genua, David Ponce and Alice Mija

Institute of Chemistry of Nice, France Centexbel, Belgium Cidetec, Spain AITIIP Technology Center, Spain

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Polym Sci

Abstract:

The RECYSITE project aims to develop bio-sourced composite materials based on vegetal fibers and resins based on humins and epoxidized linseed oil (ELO). In turn these materials will be used as parts in the transportation and constructions sectors. Humins are a by-product of bio-refineries in the production of furan-based monomers. As a by-product, they can represent as much as 30% w/w in the industrial process. From a chemical standpoint they are complex mixtures of furan derivatives, in various degrees of polymerization. This aspect offers perspectives towards higher value applications such as polymers. ELO is an epoxidized vegetable oil containing 5.5 oxirane moieties per molecule. It is regarded as a bio-sourced, renewable alternative to classical, synthetic epoxides. Resins were produced from humins, ELO and Capcure 3-800 and characterized through ATR (Attenuated total reflection) FT-IR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy). Based on
formulation, a wide array of materials was obtained with shore hardness varying from 56A to 66D. The thermal behavior of the resins was evaluated through differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. Composites, employing as reinforcement, five types of vegetal fibers were obtained. The adherence of the resin to the reinforcement was evaluated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and was found to be optimal. Figure 1 displays the results of the project. The obtained composites present a bio-based content up to 85%. The mechanical properties of the materials can be adjusted by adapting the formulation. The good compatibility between the resin and the reinforcement proposes the materials as candidates to replace classical materials in applications. At this moment, the materials are tested as parts for the transportation and constructions sectors. erol-dan.licsandru@unice.fr