Preparation of vegetable oil-based monomers for use in thermosetting resins
Inventors
Assignees
Washington State University WSU
Publication Number
US-10815188-B2
Publication Date
2020-10-27
Expiration Date
2037-09-07
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Abstract
The present embodiments herein generally relate to thermoset resins that are derived from vegetable oil based sources, including fibrous plant sources. The utilization of plant based oil as starting materials makes the technology a green alternative to currently available solutions. This, coupled with the novel synthetic methods that are utilized, results in a transformation of the plant based oils into useful, durable, and resilient thermoset resins.
Core Innovation
The invention relates generally to thermoset resins derived from vegetable oil-based sources, including fibrous plant sources such as the hempseed plant. These plant-based oils are transformed via novel synthetic methods into useful, durable, and resilient thermoset resins, representing a green alternative to existing materials obtained from petroleum-based sources.
The problem addressed by the invention is that thermoset polymers derived solely from vegetable oil-based monomers often exhibit insufficient modulus and strength. This deficiency arises because the polymerizable groups in vegetable oil monomers are linked by long, flexible fatty acid chains inherent in the triglyceride structure, leading to materials with poor mechanical properties unsuitable for applications requiring robust composite matrices or protective coatings.
The invention solves this problem by utilizing hydrolyzed fatty acids derived from vegetable oils as starting monomers, which reduce the distance between polymerizable groups and increase crosslink density in the cured polymer. This approach improves the strength and modulus of the resulting thermoset resins. Various modifications including acrylate, methacrylate, epoxidation, silane modification, and incorporation of thio-functional groups enable the production of thermoset resins with enhanced performance characteristics. The processes described include detailed synthesis routes for different fatty acid-derived monomers and their functionalization for polymerization.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes a total of six claims, featuring one principal independent compound claim and one independent composition claim, covering novel compounds and their compositions with rosin-derived epoxy compounds.
Compound having a specific Formula III structure
A compound characterized by having a specific chemical structure defined as Formula III, representing a novel fatty acid-derived monomer for thermoset resin applications.
Composition comprising the novel compound and rosin-derived epoxy compound
A composition comprising the compound of Formula III in combination with a second compound, specifically a rosin-derived epoxy compound, wherein the compound of Formula III is present at a concentration of 20% to 40% by weight to produce thermosetting resin materials.
The claims cover the novel vegetable oil-derived monomer compound of a specified structure and its inclusion in compositions with rosin-derived epoxy compounds, defining both the compound's chemical identity and its use in resin formulations to improve material properties.
Stated Advantages
The technology provides a green alternative to current petroleum-based solutions by utilizing plant-based oils as starting materials for thermoset resins.
The invention enables transformation of plant-based oils into useful, durable, and resilient thermoset resins with improved strength and modulus compared to traditional vegetable oil-based monomers.
Use of fatty acid-derived monomers increases crosslink density, leading to enhanced mechanical properties suitable for composite matrices and protective coatings.
Documented Applications
Thermoset resins derived from vegetable oil-based monomers are suitable for composite matrix polymers.
The resins may be used as protective coatings.
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