Abstract: A binder composition includes an epoxidized vegetable oil or a derivative thereof having an epoxy group content of 1 to 12 weight percent, based on the total weight of the epoxidized vegetable oil; a carboxyl-functionalized resin; and a liquid reactive diluent. A combined acid value of the carboxyl-functionalized resin and the liquid reactive diluent is 50 to 500. Uses of the binder composition, for example in composites, coatings, elastomer formulations, and adhesives are also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: In some aspects, the disclosure relates to thermoset polymeric compositions consisting of functional bio-based epoxies and/or their derivatives (e.g. epoxidized vegetable oil(s)), along with carboxyl functional acrylics and/or polyesters. When cured, example compositions yield high performance products suitable for composite, coating, adhesive, sealant, and/or elastomer applications. When used in stone composite formulations with suitable fillers like quartz and titanium dioxide, example products have high hardness, very low water absorption, and high mechanical strength along with stain, chemical, and heat resistance. When used in coating formulations, example cured films have excellent adhesion, high gloss, clarity, toughness, low water absorption, solvent and chemical resistance, flexibility, and impact resistance without compromising hardness. Coating formulation properties may also include exterior durability.