Synthesis, characterization and comparison of the Canola and Sunflower epoxy resins by using their oils

The aim of this study was synthesis of canola and sunflower epoxy resins using their corresponding oils. The acrylic epoxy resins from the canola and sunflower oils were successfully prepared. The oils were epoxidized by using the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in a proportion of 1:7 from (C=C: H2O2). The content of epoxidized Oil was studied by determination of epoxy value using titration method and fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer. The results showed that the epoxy value was 6.25 and 4.53 % for canola and sunflower oil respectively. The canola and sunflower epoxidized oils were transformed to the acrylic canola and sunflower epoxy resin and chemical structures of the resins were investigated by FTIR and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectrometer. Furthermore, the viscosity, molecular weight and special weight were measured. In addition, the content of fatty acids in the Golestan zone canola and sunflower oil were determined by the GC instrument. The results illustrated that both resins had several unique properties such as eco-friendly, non-toxic, economy, availability, and high adhesion.