Polyester networks based upon epoxidized and maleinated natural oils

Abstract

Abstract Novel families of flexible, semiflexible and rigid crosslinked polyesters were prepared from modified natural oils such as soybean, rape‐seed and linseed oil. Maleinated oils were used as anhydride‐functional curing agents of epoxy resins such as bisphenol‐A‐diglycidylether and epoxidized natural oils. A new class of unsaturated polyester resins was based upon maleic anhydride, epoxidized natural oils and styrene. The resulting thermosetting polyesters were reinforced with natural fibers such as hemp and flax fibers. The influence of molecular architectures, curing conditions and formulations on thermal, mechanical and morphological properties were investigated.