Making vinyl ester resin greener: Succinic acid–glycerol-derived reactive diluent as an alternative to styrene

A bio-based reactive diluent (BRD) was synthesized from succinic acid and glycerol, and successfully copolymerized with epoxy acrylate (EA). Chemical structure of BRD was studied by nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared. The performance of vinyl ester resin compositions has been examined through differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical analysis, as well as tensile and flexural tests. Results demonstrated good compatibility between EA and the BRD. Compared to styrene, the BRD contribution of 50 wt% enhanced the elastic modulus (~40%). Samples copolymerized with BRD or styrene, have shown a similar thermal stability. Mechanical properties of cured blends, containing up to 25 wt% of BRD, found to be superior than styrene-diluted compartments. Viscosities of EA–BRD blends were in range of 3.25–0.43 Pa/s at 30°C. Inexpensive bio-based source, good thermomechanical and rheological properties, and great compatibility with EA are of advantages of these BRD-containing formulations.