Composites from renewable resources: Development of a soybean-oil based composite

A suitable replacement for standard petroleum-based resin composite systems for use in structural and building applications is presented. Current trends towards lessening dependence on petroleum-based products and growing interest in civil applications of composites has generated a need for new composite systems that are cheaper, stronger, and more environmentally sound. Until recently, very little research was done into the possibility of using conventional plant products (such as soybeans) as binders in a composite system . Additionally, most of the work that has been done has focused on the use of soy protein. The proposed system uses epoxidized soybean oil as the primary matrix material in a fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite. Different ratios of epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) as well as several possible additives were investigated to obtain the best combination of desirable properties. The hand-layup technique was used, and various fiber-matte orientations as well as different stacking sequences were also investigated. The optimal curing cycle, time, pressure and temperature were determined for the chose resin system to achieve the optimal balance of cure-time and material properties. The mechanical properties were measured using various tensile and flexural tests on the ESO-fiber composites to determine the usefulness of the system. A short investigation into the possibilities of an alternative curing method using a microwave was also made, as well as an investigation of the effects of different environmental factors on the composite --Abstract, page iii