Aim
The main objective of the project "Sustainable epoxy networks with tunable properties used as nanocomposite materials for coatings" (Acronym: GREENanoNET) is to develop new epoxy composites from renewable resources such as vegetable oils (VO) and compatible nano-reinforcing agents, intended for anticorrosion/flame retardant coatings.
The project proposes the use of environmentally friendly raw materials – epoxy networks derived from vegetable oil, nanomaterials and their derivatives, as well as crosslinking agents from natural sources.
To achieve the GREENanoNET objective, the work plan was structured in work stages, with specific activities:
Stage 1 (2022):
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New strategy for obtaining nanohybrid structures based on montmorillonite and amine functionalized graphene oxide (MMT-NGO)
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Functionalization of GO with different structures from the amine class and demonstration of NGO structures by structural, thermal and morphological methods
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Synthesis of exfoliated MMT nanostructures by cation exchange with amine functional groups on the GO surface and advanced structural and thermal characterization of the presence of NGO on/in the MMT structure
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Dissemination of the scientific results obtained during the stage
Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
The project leader Celina Damian is supervising the development of activities that are described in the project by finding efficient solutions to the obstacles occurred, while performing the research and coordinate the research team The young researcher Brînduşa Bălănucă with wide expertise in the synthesis and applications of epoxidized vegetable oils. The PhD student Mădălina Necolau ensures good implementation for the functionalization of GO and MMT-GO synthesis, collaboration with project leader and key person being already substantiated through the publication of an article. One vacant PhD student position will ensure personnel to manage synthesis and characterization of selected bionanocomposites, also basic data processing in the second year of project. A Master student (Elena Iulia Neblea) will be a real help in the laboratory for graphene based nanohybrid synthesis and characterization of the materials. Some other connection within the research team are already founded as well, by previous collaboration on common research area.
2022 FOR GREENANONET PROJECT
The first stage of the GREENanoNET project started with an activity concentrated on establishing the preliminary conditions for the functionalization of graphene oxide (GO) with different amine structures, the protocol for obtaining amine functionalized graphene oxide (NGO) was defined.
Another direction investigated within this stage was the obtaining of exfoliated MMT nanostructures through a cationic exchange with the amine functional groups on the GO surface. Based on some protocols developed during this stage, the stages for obtaining the proposed nanohybrids (MGH and MGI) were elaborated and optimized.
Deliverables
Methodology to functionalize GO surface with amines
Conference paper presentations
Methodology to synthesize dual MMT-NGO nanohybrid structures through cation exchange
Research paper
2023 FOR GREENANONET PROJECT
The main objective of the project is pursued through research activities from Stage 2 which are a continuation of the methodologies developed in the initial stage:
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Advanced characterization of the synthesized MMT-NGO nanohybrid structures
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Chemical modification and further curing of epoxidized vegetable oil derivatives
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Double network materials from epoxidized vegetable oil derivatives and conventional epoxy resin to increase sustainability and properties of epoxy coatings
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Initial synthesis for the bio-nanocomposites based on sustainable epoxy and advanced nanohybrids
"I haven't failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work"
Thomas Edison
2023 Results
Disemination
Articles:
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„Combined thermo-mechanical effect of graphene oxide and montmorillonite on bio-based epoxy networks formation for coatings” ACS Omega 2024, 9, 7, 8297–8307 Publication Date: February 9, 2024 (IF=4.1)
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Conference presentations:
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3rd International Conference on Bioengineering and Polymer Science (BPC) at Bucharest, Romania , 7- 10 June 2023: The Use of Graphene Oxide and Montmorillonite Structures as Active Reinforcement for Vegetable Oil-based Polymeric Materials, Authors: Celina Maria Damian, Madalina-Ioana Necolau, Brînduşa Bălănucă - poster presentation
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33rd International Conference on Diamond and Carbon Materials at Palma de Mallorca, Spain , 9-15 September 2023 : Composite materials derived from epoxidized corn oil and clay-carbon nanotubes hybrid structures, Authors: Celina Maria Damian, Madalina-Ioana Necolau, Brînduşa Bălănucă - poster presentation
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33rd International Conference on Diamond and Carbon Materials at Palma de Mallorca, Spain , 9-15 September 2023, Graphene oxide-montmorillonite nanohybrids as active fillers for bio-based epoxy thermosets, Authors: Mădălina-Ioana Necolau, Celina Maria Damian, Brînduşa Bălănucă – poster presentation
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5th Euro-Mediterranean Conference for Environmental Integration (EMCEI-2023) at Rende (Cosenza), Italy, 2-5 Octomber 2023: Sustainable epoxy networks reinforced with carbon nanotubes for coating applications, authors: Celina Maria Damian, Madalina Ioana Necolau, Brindusa Balanuca, Iulia Nicoleta Radu – oral presentation
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Optimized protocol to synthesize epoxy derivatives from vegetable oils
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Metodology to efficiently and sustainably cure the epoxy derivatives from vegetable oil
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Methodology to obtain formulations of the sustainable epoxy networks through curing
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Methodology for the synthesis of bio-nanocomposites with cured sustainable epoxy networks
2024 for
GREENanoNET
Closing up the objectives envisaged for the development of sustainable epoxy nanocomposites for coatings through:
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extensive characterization of bionanocomposites from structural and thermo-mechanical point of view
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evaluation of anti-corrosive and fire retardant properties of bio-epoxy based coatings on different substrates
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bringing value by nanocomposite formulations in comparison with neat epoxy matrices
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Complete research
The objectives considered for the GREENANONET project were accomplished
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Results dissemination
Articles:
"Broadening the coating applications of sustainable materials by reinforcing epoxidized corn oil with single walled carbon nanotubes" authors: Mădălina Ioana Necolau, Iulia Nicoleta Radu, Brînduşa Bălănucă, Adriana Nicoleta Frone, Celina Maria Damian, under revision at Environmental Science and Pollution Research (IF=5.8)
Patent application:
"Epoxy bionanocomposites from corn oil, reinforced with betaine functionalized montmorillonite, composition and obtaining method"/"Bionanocompozite epoxidice din ulei de porumb ranforsate cu montmorilonit funcționalizat cu betaină, compoziție şi metodă de obținere" authors Damian Celina Maria, Necolau Mădălina Ioana, Bălănucă Brînduşa, Radu Iulia Nicoleta , A00210/24.04.2024
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First-Rate Materials
We have strict standards when it comes to what we produce and never compromise on quality. This is especially true when it comes to the first-rate materials we use. Our customers deserve the highest level of products on the market, and we work tirelessly to maintain those standards.
