Development and Thermo-Mechanical Analysis of Bio-based Epoxy Resin/Cardanol Blends as Matrices for Green Composites Manufacturing
摘要
This study explores the development of recyclable and bio-based epoxy resin/cardanol blends with varying cardanol content (25, 50, and 75%wt) using a cleavable amine hardener to achieve full recyclability. This approach offers a significant advantage by addressing two critical aspects of the epoxy resin life cycle—feedstock selection and end-of-life recyclability. Blends with over 28% bio-based content were developed and their recyclability was demonstrated through chemical dissolution tests. The most performing formulations in terms of thermo-mechanical properties were identified through thermo-mechanical characterizations (such as TGA, DSC, DMA, and flexural tests). The obtained results showed that, by selecting the most suitable curing cycle and cardanol content, it was possible to achieve promising properties. In fact, glass transition temperatures (