Cultivating Sustainability: Assessing the Viability of Bio-Based Resins in Composite Manufacturing

Master thesis (2023)

Authors

D. Apostolidis Aerospace Engineering

Contributors

B. Kumru Aerospace Manufacturing Technologies - Aerospace Engineering (supervisor 1)
Santiago J. Garcia Novel Aerospace Materials - Aerospace Engineering (supervisor 2)
C.D. Rans Structural Integrity & Composites - Aerospace Engineering (supervisor 2)
Faculty
Aerospace Engineering
Copyright: © 2023 Dimitris Apostolidis
Sustainable materials Bio-based resins Composite manufacturing Bio-based benzoxazine resins Phloroglucinol tri-epoxy Environmental stability
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Published Date

14-12-2023

Language

English

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Faculty

Aerospace Engineering

Abstract

This thesis explores the potential of sustainable resins in composite manufacturing, focusing on bio-based benzoxazine resins and bio-based epoxy derived from brown algae. The research investigates the feasibility of integrating these sustainable alternatives into composite structures. Bio-based benzoxazine resins were synthesized in-house, utilizing m-guaiacol, furfurylamine, sesamol, paraformaldehyde, Jeffamine T403, and DDS, while a commercial bio-based epoxy, phloroglucinol triepoxy (PHTE), was employed. The study involves comprehensive material analysis and testing, including an examination of chemical properties and mechanical performance. The findings reveal contrasting outcomes for the two types of bio-based resins. Bio-based benzoxazine resins exhibited challenges, as curing was not achieved, preventing their combination with composites. In contrast, phloroglucinol triepoxy, the bio-based epoxy from brown algae, emerged as a promising candidate for sustainable composite investigations. This resin demonstrated excellent mechanical properties, although its high viscosity and reactivity posed challenges for traditional manual manufacturing techniques. Furthermore, resin characterization unveiled a high glass transition temperature (Tg) system, especially noteworthy given the use of an aliphatic curing agent and monofunctional reactive diluent that lowers crosslinking density. This opens the door to its application in composites across various industries.