Preparation of Resins from Triglycerides and their Epoxidation

The use of triglycerides to produce adhesive and composite materials is taken into consideration, instead of fossil-based feedstock due to their economic and environmental benefits. Several methods have been studied and Investigated for production of resins from triglycerides and epoxidation of modified resins. The reactive sites on the triglyceride structure such as double bonds, allylic carbons, ester groups and etc. are able to enter into chemical reactions. Triglycerides can be converted into resins by reactions such as, free radical polymerization, ring opening polymerization, poly-condensation and modification by anhydrides, polyisocyanates and diacids. Also, various materials such as percarboxylic acid, organic or inorganic peroxides and halohydrins can be used for epoxidation of triglycerides. Epoxidation of triglycerides resins lead to branching and cross-linking of chains. Consequently, the bond sresulting from epoxidized triglyceride resins are more resistant. The results showed that epoxidized triglyceride resins can be used to produce more resistant composite and wood panels compared to those produced from inorganic resins such as urea formaldehyde.