Characterization of an Epoxy Resin Modified with Natural Oil‐Based Reactive Diluents

Abstract

Abstract Modified natural oils ‐ epoxidized soybean and rapeseed oils were tested as reactive diluents for viscosity regulation of Bisphenol A‐based low‐molecular‐ weight epoxy resin. Satisfactory viscosity reducing ability of epoxidized oils as well as non‐Newtonian rheological behaviour of the resin diluted with modified oils were demonstrated. Co‐crosslinking of mixed oil‐resin compositions using isophorone diamine was studied showing essential decreasing of the reaction heat and slight increasing of the peak maximum temperature. Mechanical properties, thermal stability, water absorption and chemical resistance of the epoxy resin modified with natural oils were also investigated.