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OrangeOil
Development of a Process for the Production of Bio-Based Two component Epoxy Resin from Renewable Raw Materials
Project duration
From: 01.10.2021 To: 31.03.2024Description
The aim of the project was to develop two-component epoxy resin systems made from renewable raw materials. The epoxy component was to be produced from terpenes derived from orange peel.
An epoxidised linseed oil was used as the biogenic base resin, part of which was replaced with orange oil, limonene, limonene epoxide (LEP) or limonene dioxide (LDO). Basic material properties such as the curing speed and the achievable material hardness were determined. The suitability of orange oil or limonene as a substitute for the epoxidised linseed oil could not be proven. The epoxidation of limonene to LEP increased the reactivity, but lowered the Shore A hardness. Compared to the base resin variant, the addition of 10 m% LEP increased the tensile and flexural properties of natural fibre composites (NFRP). A further increase in reactivity was achieved by epoxidising the limonene to LDO. After six weeks, the Shore A hardness of samples with 25 m% LDO was up to 96. The addition of 10 m% or 25 m% LDO to NFRP led to a significant drop in the mechanical properties, particularly the tensile strength values.
The suitability as a surface sealant for floor coatings was determined visually and via mechanical tests. 25 m% LDO improved levelling and gloss, but the resin systems became more brittle and showed less adhesion to the floor surface. The resins were very resistant to UV weathering. Compared to a reference resin, the new resins showed only a slight change in colour.
The linseed oil epoxies developed with LEP or LDO content can be used in various applications such as the production of fibre composites or seamless floor coverings. An epoxy resin system made from renewable raw materials is aimed at a wide range of market sectors such as railway vehicles, sports equipment, automotive, architecture, shipbuilding and interior design.
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