Itaconic Anhydride as a Green Compatibilizer in Composites Prepared by the Reinforcement of a Tung Oil-Based Thermosetting Resin with Miscanthus, Pine Wood, or Algae Biomass

Unsaturated vegetable oils with conjugated carbon–carbon double bonds, such as tung oil, can undergo free-radical polymerization, originating alternatives to petroleum-based materials. The introduction of fillers oil-based polymer matrices results in composites improved mechanical properties. In this work, thermosets were synthesized by the polymerization a mixture divinylbenzene, and n-butyl methacrylate, reinforced bio-based fillers, namely Miscanthus, Pinus taeda (also known southern pine), algae (Microspora Oedogonium) biomass. effect filler particle size on composites’ properties was evaluated. Additionally, develop better interaction between hydrophobic resin hydrophilic reinforcements, improve prepared, itaconic anhydride, molecule derived from acid, added resin. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that presence anhydride overall thermal stability composites. storage modulus at room temperature, assessed dynamic (DMA), increased approximately 32% 68%, for Miscanthus pine composites, respectively, when acid It also observed glass transition temperatures not significantly affected acid. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images indicated matrix-reinforcement adhesion anhydride.