ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVES FOR EPOXY RESIN COMPOSITES BASED ON WASTE VALORISATION

摘要

Environmental concerns motivate researchers to look for more sustainable replacements for epoxy resins to improve the sustainability of recycled carbon fibre composites. Thermoset formulations using bio-based resins from waste vegetable oil (WVO) were investigated. Valorisation of this feedstock brings environmental, social and economic benefits to the production chain. Blends of DGEBA and epoxidized WVO (0 to 50 wt%) were produced and optimised formulations were used to manufacture composites laminates. This approach produced of engineering materials combining two waste streams. Results herein presented open space to produce more sustainable epoxy resins for composite industry with attractive properties.