Solid freeform fabrication of epoxidized soybean oil/epoxy composite with bis or polyalkyleneamine curing agents

• Published in: Composites. Part A, Applied science and manufacturing Vol. 38; no. 1; pp. 87 - 93
• Main Authors: Liu, Z.S., Erhan, S.Z., Calvert, P.D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 2007; Elsevier
• Subjects: A. Fibres; A. Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs); Applied sciences; B. Mechanical properties; Composites; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Solid freeform fabrication; Technology of polymers; A. Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs); A. Fibres; B. Mechanical properties; Solid freeform fabrication; Polyamine; Polymer blends; Fiber reinforced material; Epoxy resin; Mechanical properties; Experimental study; Mineral fiber; Property processing relationship; Composite material; Bending strength; Curing(plastics); Plant origin; Extrusion; Fiber orientation; Glass fiber; Carbon fiber
• ISSN: 1359-835X; 1878-5840
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2006.01.009

Extrusion freeform fabrication has been used to make bars of fiber-reinforced epoxidized soybean oil (ESO)/epoxy resin. Freeform fabrication methods build materials by the repetitive addition of thin layers. The mixture of epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) and epoxy resin are modified with a gelling agent to solidify the materials until curing occurs. The high strength and stiffness composites are formed through fiber reinforcement. Glass, carbon and mineral fibers are used in the formulations. It is shown that the fiber orientation follows the direction of motion of the write head that deposits the resins and has a large influence on the properties of the composite. In addition, the effects of curing agents, curing temperature, epoxy/ESO ratio, and fiber loading on mechanical properties of composites are studied and reported.