Itaconic Anhydride as a Bio-Based Compatibilizer for a Tung Oil-Based Thermosetting Resin Reinforced with Sand and Algae Biomass

In this work, renewable composites were prepared by the association of a thermosetting resin synthesized via free-radical polymerization, using mixture tung oil, n-butyl methacrylate, and divinylbenzene, with silica-rich fillers, namely an algae biomass high silica content, well-sorted sand. Furthermore, to investigate if interaction between non-polar polar reinforcements could be improved, enhancing materials’ mechanical properties, itaconic anhydride, bio-derived molecule obtained from acid, was introduced composition. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) suggested that thermal stability overall not changed addition anhydride. The properties sand composites, however, did improve, as storage modulus at room temperature, measured dynamic (DMA), almost doubled in presence glass transition temperatures materials increased approximately 30 °C when used reinforcement. Water absorption experiments validated increase polarity unreinforced anhydride its formulation. exhibit significant difference Finally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), equipped energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), demonstrated better matrix–filler adhesion for high-silica composites.