The free radical copolymerization of tung oil, divinylbenzene, and styrene results in bio-based thermosetting polymers with tunable properties, according to all comonomer concentrations. Biocomposites have been obtained by the reinforcement of such bio-based thermosetting resins with cellulose. Asolectin is a natural phospholipid found in soybeans. Because of its long, unsaturated fatty acid chains and the presence of a phosphate group on the glycerol moiety of its chemical structure, asolectin is a good candidate for acting as a natural compatibilizer between the hydrophobic matrix and the hydrophilic reinforcement. In the current work, we investigate the changes in properties and structure resulting from the addition of asolectin to the aforementioned biocomposites. An evaluation of the cure-kinetics of this bio-based system has been conducted by DEA and the final biocomposites have been thoroughly characterized by DSC, TGA, DMA, and Raman Spectroscopy.

Asolectin from soybeans as a natural compatibilizer for cellulose reinforced biocomposites from tung oil

247th National Meeting (2014)

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