Bio-based Flexible Network Polymer from Epoxidized Soybean Oil Reinforced by Poly(butyl methacrylate)

This study deals with the synthesis of a plant oil-based polymeric material from epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) and poly(butyl methacrylate) (PBMA). PolyESO/PBMAs were synthesized by an acid-catalyzed curing in the presence of PBMA to give a transparent bio-based polymeric material. During the reaction, the PBMA components scarcely reacted with ESO and were dispersed in the ESO polymer matrix to form semi-interpenetrating polymer network. The resulting polyESO/PBMA exhibited excellent flexibility. The incorporation of the PBMA components improved the mechanical properties of the plant oil-based network polymer. Furthermore, the polyESO/PBMA showed relatively good thermal stability. The present materials are expected to contribute to the development of bio-based polymeric materials.