Synthesis of elastomeric networks from maleated soybean-oil glycerides by thiol-ene coupling

Maleated soybean-oil glycerides were photopolymerized with multifunctional thiols to give elastomeric networks. Polymers were characterized by Raman, DSC, TGA and DMTA analyses. Materials exhibited properties that resemble those of elastomers with glass transition temperatures below room temperature. Influence of thiol functionality over polymer properties was analyzed. Model reactions of monoethyl maleate and methyl oleate with monofunctional thiol were studied by 1H NMR to control the curing process.