“Green” composites and nanocomposites from soybean oil

In this study, we report preparation of epoxidized soybean oil (ESO)-based “green” composites and nanocomposites. The high strength and stiffness composites and nanocomposites are formed through flax fiber and organoclay reinforcement. The epoxy resin, 1,1,1-tris(p-hydroxyphenyl)ethane triglycidyl ether (THPE-GE) is used as a co-matrix for flax fiber-reinforced composites. For the clay-reinforced nanocomposites, the dispersion of the clay layers is investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD and TEM data reveal that the intercalated structure of ESO/clay nanocomposites has been developed. Mechanical properties of both materials are investigated. As curing agent, triethylenetetramine (TETA) is used for both systems.