Development of high‐modulus thermoset materials based on bioglycerol

Abstract

A high‐value application of crude bioglycerol in polymers was developed. In this application, bioglycerol was first transformed into a highly polyunsaturated resin (MAGLYMA) through maleinization–methacrylation reactions, under mild conditions (80–90 °C, 1–2 h). The resin was copolymerized with methyl methacrylate (MMA) (20%–50%) at room temperature over 8 h, affording rigid materials. The effect of MMA content on the mechanical and thermal properties was evaluated. The flexural modulus, flexural strength and surface hardness of the materials were around 3800 MPa, 130–180 MPa and 77 (Shore D), respectively. Tg values were in the range 92–105 °C. It is remarkable that excellent mechanical and thermal properties were obtained using a low concentration of MMA (20%). In particular, the mechanical properties of this material were better than those obtained for a commercial unsaturated polyester thermoset. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry