Date of Award
Winter 5-16-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Chemistry
First Advisor
Dr. Ram. K. Gupta, rgupta@pittstate.edu
Second Advisor
Tim Dawsey, tdawsey@pittstate.edu
Third Advisor
Khamis Siam, ksiam@pittstate.edu
Keywords
Recycle, Diamine, Thermosetting, Flexibility, Temperature, Reshape
Abstract
Castor oil-based polymers have gained significant attention due to their renewable nature, low cost, and ease of processing, making them ideal for various applications, including biofuels and the petrochemical industry. Among these, epoxidized castor oil (ECO)-based thermosets have been extensively studied for their promising mechanical and thermal properties. This study focuses on recent advancements in ECO thermosets synthesized with 4,4-dithiodianiline (DTDA) which has aromatic disulfide bonds and 4,4-ditaminodiphenylmethane (DMPM) which has methylene bridge. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the successful incorporation of epoxy functionalities into castor oil. The structure-reactivity relationship was examined through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), which reveals that ECO_DMPM based thermosets exhibit higher glass transition (Tg) range compared to ECO_DTDA due to methylene group. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Indicates good thermal stability across all thermosets, with degradation onset temperatures above 350°C, though the presence of sulfur bonds may slightly reduce thermal stability. Tensile testing, GEL fraction measurements, and These assessments revealed strong correlations between monomer reactivity and final material properties. Moreover, the study highlighted the non-reprocessable nature of the ECO_DMPM thermosets. distinguishing them from other sustainable polymer systems. Their highly crosslinked structures limit recyclability but enhance their thermal and mechanical stability. The inclusion of dynamic disulfide bonds of ECO_DTDA introduces the potential for reprocess ability, allowing the thermosets to be reshaped without significant loss of performance. This research underscores the potential of ECO-based thermosets with customizable properties, offering promising applications in sectors such as automotive, coatings, and composites. The materials' reprocessability and use of renewable resources provide an avenue for sustainable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based thermosets, aligning with the increasing demand for eco-friendly solutions in modern industries.
Recommended Citation
Patel, Vaibhav, "EPOXIDIZED CASTOR OIL BASED THERMOSETS WITH REPROCESSABLE AND NON REPROCESSABLE PROPERTIES" (2025). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 785.
https://digitalcommons.pittstate.edu/etd/785
