Vegetable Oil Based Epoxy Composites

In the current era naturally occurring resources are exploited and its consumption is increasing continuously with increase in population, urbanisation and industrialization. Thus, there is a need to explore more sustainable products and techniques to overcome the demerits of conventional products. Modified vegetable oils (VOs) such as epoxidized vegetable oil (EVO) termed as biocomposite could be one of the product that have significant industrial application as plasticiser and synthetic intermediate in polyester synthesis. Still, the usage of EVO as monomer is limited in the production of high grade epoxy thermoset polymers due to its reactivity and physical properties. VOs has emerged as a promising alternative for the production of bio-based polymeric composites. Recent observations have shown its potential as a viable candidate in this field. Typically, direct polymerization and curing using various agents like acids, amines, anhydrides, etc., are used for the synthesis of epoxy biocomposites. But, the major concern in this field is the production of wholly green epoxy composites from bio-based materials with high mechanical strength. However, with the application of bio based hardener and modifications exhibited through physicochemical treatment or the addition of fillers, mechanical characteristics can be improved to a significant level. This chapter provides a comprehensive exploration of fiber-reinforced vegetable oil-based composites, covering their processing and advancements. The focus is on integrating bio-based hardeners with fibers or fillers for the synthesis of VO-derived epoxy composites.