Utilizing degraded oils for eco-friendly epoxy films

Abstract

With increasing emphasis on waste valorization and sustainable materials, this study investigates the development and characterization of their films derived from epoxidized oils synthesized by discarded blended vegetable oils. These blends of rice bran oil, sunflower and groundnut oil in varying ratios 60:20:20, 50:25:25, and 40:30:30 is subjected to repeated deep frying at 180℃. Discarded oils obtained after frying, first characterized for physicochemical degradation which included viscosity, free fatty acid, specific gravity changes. Then the oils made epoxidized and the resulting epoxidized oils were used to fabricate thin films, which were evaluated for their mechanical properties such as thickness, hardness, flexibility, and adhesion and chemical properties such as epoxy value, acid, alkali resistance etc. The study establishes a sustainable approach to convert discarded oils blends into valuable bio resins with desirable film properties. This finding supports the potential for reusing discarded oils as a low cost, eco-friendly for coating application and contributes to environmental sustainability goals.