One-Pot Terpolymerization Synthesis of High Carbon Biocontent Recyclable Epoxy Thermosets and Their Composites with Flax Woven Fibers

Epoxy thermosetting resins derived from epoxidized linseed oil (ELO) and two biobased, maleic and phthalic, anhydrides in the presence of a coupling agent (dipropylene glycol) lead to fully biobased epoxy terpolymers. The effect of the stoichiometry and of the anhydride's nature were investigated by DSC analyses for the evaluation of reactivity and activation energy and by in situ FT-IR. By implementing a simple synthesis protocol, thermosets with high values of carbon biocontent from 89 to 95% were obtained. These thermosets exhibit good thermomechanical properties, tested by DSC, TGA, and DMA, and displayed very good recyclability and multishape memory. Moreover, their reinforcement with flax woven fibers (FF) showed an increase of thermomechanical properties combined with reduced water absorption and, for the other part, repairing abilities.