Assessing the potential of Chios natural mastic for the production of sustainable epoxy composite adhesives

Abstract

AbstractThe self‐curable epoxidized polymeric fraction of the natural gum “Chios mastic” (Pistacia lentiscus L.) gum is used as a matrix to produce sustainable particulate composite adhesives and further to manufacture lap joints. Olive pit powder and cotton flocks are used as reinforcements, each for a range of contents. Mixed‐modulus‐joint and Nanotube‐coated‐adherend special manufacturing techniques are also applied to further improve shear properties, reduce shear stress concentrations, or increase the adhesive and the adherend cohesion. 2% (w/w) Aluminum and 2% (w/w) olive pit reinforcements achieve an increase in shear strength of 14.19% and 12.26%, respectively, while cotton flocks‐ initially of lower performance as well as pieces of cotton fabric, are used to make joints according to the Nanotube‐coated‐adherend technique achieving an increase in shear strength of 102.1% and 84.91%, respectively. The obtained experimental results demonstrate the potential of the epoxidized polymer fraction of Chios natural mastic to produce useful sustainable particulate epoxy composite adhesives and double‐sided adhesive tapes.