Mechanical and Morphological Behavior of Bismaleimide-Modified Soy-Based Epoxy Matrices

This study is concerned with the preparation and mechanical characterization of bio-based polymers from renewable resources. Epoxidized soybean oil at various concentrations is cured with an amine curing agent. The prepared matrices have been chemically modified with three types of bismaleimides, namely N, N'-bismaleimido-4,4'-diphenyl methane (BMI-1), 1,3-bis(maleimido) benzene(BMI-2) and 3,3'-bis(maleimido phenyl) phenyl phosphineoxide (BMI-3). The crosslinked matrices thus developed were characterized for their mechanical properties such as tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and impact strength. The incorporation of bismaleimides in the soy-based matrices significantly enhances the mechanical properties. The morphological behavior of matrices is also studied using a scanning electron microscope. The results indicate that the bismaleimide-modified soy-based epoxy resin at appropriate concentration holds great potential as a replacement for petroleum-based materials in engineering applications.