Acrylated epoxidised soybean oil

Acrylated epoxidised soybean oil (AESO) (Rg. 7.6) is synthesised from the reaction of acrylic acid with epoxidised triglycerides. Similarly malein-ated hydroxylated soybean oil (Rg. 7.6) can be obtained by the reaction of epoxidised oil with maleic anhydride. 

A new hybrid composite was produced by a combination of synthetic and natural fibres with the same AESO matrix, which offered the low cost of natural fibre with the high strength of synthetic fibre. The resultant properties may vary, depending on the composition of the fibre type and follow a weight fraction rule. It has been observed from SEM micrographs that hemp acrylated epoxidised soybean oil (ESO) composite shows fracture surfaces with a larger number of pull outs than the flax-based composites. 

Acrylated epoxidised soybean oil (AESO)/impure MWCNT (MWCNT and carbon soot) nanocomposite exhibits improved mechanical properties with the tensile modulus increased by 30% at 0.28 wt% CNT loading. However higher multi-walled carbon nanotube loadings resulted in significant aggregation during polymerisation. AESO is therefore believed to act as a solubilising surfactant in this system. ... 

Scheme 4.7 Partially acrylated epoxidised soybean oil followed by its maleation...

Epoxidised triglycerides can be found in natural oils, such as vernonia plant oil, or they may be synthesised from more common unsaturated oils, such as soybean or hnseed oil, by a standard epoxidation reaction. The reaction of acrylic acid with epoxidised soybean oil (ESO) occurs through a standard substitution reaction. Although the reaction of ESO with acrylic acid is partially acid catalysed by the acrylic acid itself, tertiary amines such as A,A-dimethylanihne, triethylamine and 1, 4-diazobicyclo[2.2.2]-octane are commonly used as the catalysts. 

Epoxidised soybean oil-based natural composite exhibits strong viscoelastic solid properties similar to those of synthetic rubbers and can therefore replace them in many applications. Composite materials obtained by the vinylation of epoxidised soybean oil-based resin and natural fibre by styrene or acrylic acid, are used in the roofs, floors and walls of houses and low-rise commercial buildings. 

The company also makes PVC lubricants and modifiers (hquid and sohd ester lubricants, hydrocarbon waxes, polyacrylate elastomer impact modifiers, metal soaps, fatty acids and their derivatives) and plasticisers (epoxidised monoester and epoxidised soybean oil), together with acrylic process aids and amide wax antiblocking agents. 

---