High-performance biobased vinyl ester resin and its fiberglass-reinforced composite with high glass transition temperature (Tg), excellent flame retardancy and mechanical properties. (January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Xin; Wu, Jiazi; Wei, Jianhui; Qin, Zhaolu; Pan, Ye-Tang; Wu, Xiaolu; Zhang, Wenchao; Yang, Rongjie
• Is Part Of: Polymer degradation and stability. Volume 207(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-01
• Subjects: Vinyl ester resin -- Biobased -- Fiberglass-reinforced composite -- Glass transition temperature -- Flame retardancy -- Mechanical properties; Polymers -- Deterioration -- Periodicals; Stabilizing agents -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Dégradation -- Périodiques; Stabilisants -- Périodiques; 668.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2022.110209
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-3910

Abstract

Highlights: The biobased vinyl ester resin monomer is prepared from renewable resources. The biobased vinyl ester resin shows high Tg, good flame retardancy and low smoke release, which broadens the application range of biobased vinyl ester resin. The fiberglass reinforced composite of biobased vinyl ester resin is prepared by Vacuum assisted resin transfer molding and the resin shows good fiberglass wettability. The fiberglass reinforced composite of biobased vinyl ester resin shows higher Tg, better flame retardancy and excellent mechanical properties. Abstract: In this study, a biobased vinyl ester resin monomer with Schiff base is prepared from protocatechualdehyde. The monomer is dissolved into styrene to prepare the biobased resin designated as OBTMAR. The resin is perfused into the fiberglass to prepare a fiber-reinforced composite (GFOBTMAR). The commercial vinyl ester resin (VER901) and its fiberglass-reinforced composite (GFVER901) are prepared as the control. T g values of OBTMAR and GFOBTMAR are 219 and 222 °C, respectively, which are far higher than those of VER901 (127 °C) and its composites (131 °C). And there is no separation between the resin and fiberglass for GFOBTMAR due to excellent fiberglass wettability. Cone calorimeter test suggests that GFOBTMAR shows the best flame retardancy and lowest smoke release. The related mechanism of flame retardancy is studied in detail. This work presents an effective strategy for developing fiberglass-reinforced vinyl ester resin composites with high T g, superior flame retardancy and mechanical properties for application.