Uses of Epoxidized Soybean Oil
As an epoxy plasticizer: ESBO is widely used as a plasticizer for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other polymers due to its ability to plasticize and improve flexibility and oil resistance in finished products. This application area accounts for over 50% of global ESBO usage.
stabilizer: The reactive functionality and polar nature of ESBO enables it to act as a stabilizer against ultraviolet (UV) light andheat in various formulations like paints, coatings, sealants and lubricants. It performs as both a primary and secondary antioxidant.
Additive for nylon and asphalt: Very small amounts of ESBO, around 1-5%, can be added to nylon or asphalt to boost flexibility, weather resistance and elongation properties in the final products.
Other uses: Additional applications of ESBO include as a plasticizer for pesticide and herbicide formulations, a lubricant additive, and in the production of biodiesel, printing inks, and more. Epoxidized Soybean Oil Ongoing research also explores its potential as a green structural material.
Benefits and Advantages
As a plant-based industrial chemical derived from soybean oil, epoxidized soybean oil offers many sustainability and performance advantages over traditional petroleum-derived alternatives:
- Renewable sourcing from soy means ESBO has a lower fossil carbon footprint.
- Biodegradable and less toxic than many petrochemical options.
- Good oxidative stability allows ESBO to provide protection against UV, heat and oxidation.
- Reactive oxirane groups enable chemical interactions for a range of functional uses.
- Improves flexibility, weather resistance and other properties in polymers and formulations.
- Compatible with many traditional thermoset and thermoplastic resins and plasticizers.
- Cost-competitive with petro-derivatives due to abundant soybean oil availability.
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