Epoxidized oil binder compositions and process for preparation of thermoset hardened products

Abstract

In some aspects, the disclosure relates to processes involving a two-component resin system to provide a composite matrix binder. The first component may be a liquid reactive diluent, like an epoxidized vegetable oil, and the second component may be a solid, powdered polymer component, like a carboxylic functional acrylic or polyester, that may react with the liquid component. The liquid component may wet and coat the filler materials, while the powdered resin may soften/melt at higher temperatures below its threshold reactive temperature, thus allowing it to flow, diffuse and mix with the liquid component. This facilities processing and allows use of higher molecular weight resins and/or a higher Tg polymers without solvent use. When used in stone composite formulations with fillers like quartz and/or titanium dioxide, example resulting products have high hardness, very low water absorption, and high mechanical strength along with stain, chemical, and heat resistance.