The substitution of fossil derived monomers in thermosetting resins is a very important point to look at to face environmental impact issues related with the use of traditional resins. The research group set up a protocol for the preparation of thermosetting resins starting from vegetable oils with different composition to substitute the petroleum-based monomers. The materials obtained in this way have a bio-based carbon content higher than 80%. Moreover, the use of terpenic co-monomers allows one to avoid the use of styrene, a toxic and volatile reagent, thus entailing a further advantage in terms of safeness and environmental impact. The materials result to have mechanical and thermal properties tunable with the monomer and the starting oils choice, with glass transition temperatures and Young’s modulus values comparable with styrene containing materials. The developed resins have been also employed in the preparation of composite laminates reinforced with natural fibers.
The proposed materials derive from an emerging technology that finds in the use of reagents from vegetable sources its main advantage in terms of environmental impact and safeness. Vegetable oils combined with terpenes offer the opportunity to substitute traditional monomers from fossil source and to tap from a wide pool of primary sources: the proper choice of the starting oil/terpene mixture allows one to tune the properties of the final material. A great advantage also comes from the chance to use waste oils or residues of agro-industrial chains. The final materials, both resins and composites can find application in important industrial sectors ranging from automotive, to furniture and design. For these sectors the use of bio-based products not only offers a great environmental impact improvement, but also entails competitive advantages related with the consumer request, besides the company image and the need to face the even more urgent legislative restrictions.