# Innovative Materials Based on Epoxy Resin for Use as Seat Elements in Bulk Transport

## TL;DR

This paper explores eco-friendly epoxy composites for use in train seats, showing they are durable and resistant to aging.

## Contribution

The study introduces epoxy composites with PLA and quercetin for improved environmental and aging properties in rail transport.

## Key findings

- PLA and quercetin additives maintained thermal stability and reduced matrix defects in epoxy composites.
- The addition of polylactide slightly increased the stiffness and strength of the composites.
- Quercetin oxidation, confirmed by FTIR, provided protection to the epoxy matrix, reducing the carbonyl index.

## Abstract

The subject of this research is the development of epoxy composites with a defined service life for the purpose of seat elements in rail vehicles, which will be more environmentally friendly. The produced materials based on epoxy resin filled with PLA or PLA and quercetin were subjected to solar aging tests for 800 h to investigate the impact of the additives used on the aging behavior of the epoxy matrix. Firstly, the TGA analysis showed that the use of the proposed additives allowed for the maintenance of the thermal stability of the epoxy resin. Moreover, based on an optical microscopy test, it was noticed that the introduction of PLA and PLA with quercetin did not contribute to an increase in matrix defects. The one-directional tensile tests carried out before and after solar aging showed that the presence of polylactide in epoxy composites causes a slight growth of the stiffness and strength. Based on contact angle and color change measurements, it was found that quercetin was oxidized, thus ensuring protection for the epoxy matrix. This phenomenon was confirmed by FTIR study, where the carbonyl index (CI) value for the R-PLA-Q composite was lower than for the reference sample. The obtained composite structures may be a good alternative to traditionally used systems as seat elements in rail vehicles, which are not only characterized by high aging resistance but are also more eco-friendly.