Production and Analysis of Bioresin From Mango (Mangifera Indica) Kernel Oil

The work presents report on production and analysis of bioresin from epoxidized mango kernel oil (EMKO). The bioresin (acrylated epoxidized mango kernel oil) or AEMKO was produced from epoxidized mango kernel oil via acrylation chemical reaction route. The FTIR spectrum analysis of epoxidized mango kernel oil (EMKO) and acrylated epoxidized mango kernel oil (AEMKO) produced gave the degree of acrylation (DOA) as 46%. The Viscosity of AEMKO (resin) was determined at room temperature (25 °C) to be 387cP while the density at 25oC was 1.2 g/cm3. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the bioresin was determined to be 95oC. Production cost analysis of the bioresin was done and found to be N8, 804.35 per litre. The high cost was due to high costs of the chemicals, labour and overhead charges involved at my local level. At commercial level, those components of the costs would definitely reduce to the level compatible with synthetic (polyester) resin (N2, 500 per litre) currently sold by some markers in Nigeria. However, the overall results of the work demonstrated that bioresin can be successfully synthesized from mango kernel oil with properties compatible with ASTM standards. The commercial production of the bioresin will go a long way in mitigating some of the challenges associated with total use of fossil fuel currently use for production of bulk of synthetic resins for composite manufacturing activities.