Network Polymers from Epoxidized Soybean Oil and Bio-based Phenolic Polymers

Abstract

In this study, network polymers from epoxidized plant oil with bio-based phenolic polymers, terpene-modified phenolic resin or lignophenol, have been developed. The glossy network polymers were prepared by an acid-catalyzed curing of epoxidized soybean oil with these bio-based phenolic polymers. The product polymer with terpene-modified phenolic resin showed higher mechanical properties than the ESO polymer. The flexibility was much improved by the addition of terpenemodified phenolic resin. The micro phase-separation was observed in the network polymer with lignophenol.