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Styrene-Free Soybean Oil Thermoset Composites Reinforced by Hybrid Fibers from Recycled and Natural Resources

Styrene-Free Soybean Oil Thermoset Composites Reinforced by Hybrid Fibers from Recycled and Natural Resources
Learning Objets
Summary
This study introduces a sustainable, styrene-free thermoset composite derived from acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) and reinforced with hybrid fibers sourced from recycled PET, bamboo, polyester, and ethylene-propylene (ES) fibers. To replace toxic and volatile styrene, the researchers synthesized glyceryl trimethacrylate (GTMA) from biodiesel-derived glycerol as a bio-based reactive diluent. GTMA not only reduces emissions but also enhances cross-link density and mechanical performance. The resulting composites exhibit excellent toughness (~50 kJ/m² impact strength), tensile strength (~30 MPa), and thermal stability (Tg >110 °C). Notably, the cross-linked polymer matrix is water-degradable under mild hydrothermal conditions (190 °C), enabling potential recyclability.

This work exemplifies green chemistry principles by utilizing renewable feedstocks, designing for degradation, and replacing hazardous substances with safer alternatives. It provides a practical model for developing high-performance, recyclable composites from both natural and waste-derived materials.

Educational Use for Green Chemistry Learning
This article is an excellent teaching resource for courses in green chemistry, sustainable materials, and polymer science. It demonstrates real-world applications of renewable monomers, lifecycle thinking, and safer chemical design. Students can explore topics such as bio-based polymer synthesis, composite fabrication, and environmental impact assessment.

Authors/Contributors
Mingen Fei, Tuan Liu, Tengfei Fu, Jinwen Zhang, Yuchao Wu, Renhui Qiu*, and Wendi Liu*

Citation
Fei, M., Liu, T., Fu, T., Zhang, J., Wu, Y., Qiu, R., & Liu, W. (2019). Styrene-Free Soybean Oil Thermoset Composites Reinforced by Hybrid Fibers from Recycled and Natural Resources. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 7(22), 17808–17816. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.9b04308
Keyword Tags
Soybean Oil
Sustainable Design
Renewable Feedstocks
Biopolymers
Polymer Chemistry
Materials Science
Link to external
Link to external article
Learning Goals/Student Objectives
By engaging with this article, students will be able to:
-Understand the principles of green chemistry and how they are applied in the design of sustainable polymer composites.
-Explain the environmental and health concerns associated with traditional reactive diluents like styrene and evaluate safer alternatives such as glyceryl trimethacrylate (GTMA).
-Describe the synthesis and function of acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) and GTMA in thermoset resin systems.
-Analyze the role of hybrid fiber reinforcements (recycled PET, bamboo, polyester, and ES fibers) in enhancing mechanical and thermal properties of composites.
-Interpret experimental data related to tensile strength, impact resistance, thermal degradation, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA).
-Evaluate the recyclability and degradability of bio-based composites and their implications for sustainable materials design.
-Apply systems thinking to assess the life cycle of materials from renewable feedstocks to end-of-life degradation.
-Connect scientific research to real-world applications in sustainable product development, particularly in automotive, construction, and consumer goods.
Object Type
Case studies
Journal articles
Audience
Introductory Undergraduate
Upper/Advanced Undergraduate
Common pedagogies covered
Blended learning
Collaborative/cooperative learning
Context-based learning
Green Chemistry Principles
Waste Prevention
Safer Solvents and Auxiliaries
Design for Energy Efficiency
Use of Renewable Feedstocks
Design for Degradation
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Zero Hunger
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Sustainable Cities and Communities
Responsible Consumption and Production
Climate Action
Safety Precautions, Hazards, and Risk Assessment
Safety Precautions
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Always wear lab coats, chemical-resistant gloves, and safety goggles when handling chemicals or operating equipment.
Use appropriate respiratory protection when working with volatile substances or during thermal processing.

Ventilation:
Conduct all synthesis and curing steps in a well-ventilated fume hood, especially when handling methacrylic anhydride (MAA), styrene, or organic solvents.

Thermal Equipment Use:
Exercise caution when using ovens, hot presses, and thermal analyzers (e.g., TGA, DSC) at high temperatures (up to 190 °C).
Use heat-resistant gloves and ensure proper temperature control to avoid burns or overheating.

Chemical Handling:
Handle methacrylic anhydride, tert-butyl peroxybenzoate (TBPB), and dichloromethane with care due to their corrosive, flammable, or toxic properties. Store reactive diluents and initiators in tightly sealed containers away from heat and light.

Hazards
Chemical Hazards:
--MAA is corrosive and can cause severe skin and eye irritation.
--TBPB is a strong oxidizer and may pose explosion risks if not handled properly.
--Dichloromethane is a volatile solvent with potential carcinogenic effects.
--Styrene (used for comparison) is a known VOC and suspected carcinogen.

Thermal Hazards:
Risk of burns from hot molds, ovens, and pressurized reactors.
Potential for thermal decomposition of materials at elevated temperatures.

Reactivity Hazards:
Free-radical polymerization reactions (e.g., curing of AESO-GTMA resins) can be exothermic and require controlled conditions.

Risk Assessment
Synthesis of GTMA: Moderate to high risk due to use of corrosive MAA and elevated temperatures. Requires fume hood, PPE, and careful monitoring.
Resin Preparation and Curing: Medium risk. Use of TBPB and high-temperature curing necessitates thermal safety protocols and proper ventilation.
Composite Fabrication: Medium risk. Hot-pressing at 170 °C under pressure (8 MPa) requires mechanical and thermal safety measures.
Degradation Testing: Medium risk. Hydrolysis at 190 °C in a sealed reactor requires pressure-rated equipment and post-reaction cooling protocols.
NGSS Standards, if applicable
This article supports NGSS-aligned learning by integrating real-world applications of science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and core disciplinary ideas:

Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs):

Encourages students to analyze and interpret data on material properties (e.g., tensile strength, thermal stability).
Demonstrates the design and testing of sustainable materials, aligning with engineering design practices.
Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs):

Highlights the concept of structure and function by showing how molecular design (e.g., GTMA vs. styrene) affects composite performance.
Emphasizes cause and effect in chemical reactivity, degradation, and recyclability.
Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs):

PS1.A (Structure and Properties of Matter): Explores how molecular structure influences material behavior.
ESS3.C (Human Impacts on Earth Systems): Promotes sustainable material development to reduce environmental impact.
ETS1.B (Developing Possible Solutions): Demonstrates innovation in replacing hazardous chemicals with safer, renewable alternatives.

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Submitted by

Kris Weigal
Published on
Moderation state
Published
Collection
Soy Chemistry Literature