Epoxidized linseed oil (ELO) is widely used in PVC, but it also has several special applications that rely on its reactive epoxy groups and bio‑based structure.
One important application is in UV‑curable and radiation‑curable systems. After suitable modification, ELO can act as a reactive diluent or oligomer in UV inks, varnishes, and coatings. It helps lower VOCs, improves flexibility, and enhances adhesion to substrates such as plastic films, paper, and metal. The multiple epoxy sites enable dense crosslinking, giving cured films good chemical resistance, scratch resistance, and durability.
Another special area is biopolymer and biodegradable material modification. ELO can be blended or reacted with starch, PLA, PHA, and other bio‑based polymers. It may serve as an internal plasticizer, compatibilizer, or crosslinkable segment, reducing brittleness and improving toughness in packaging films, agricultural mulch films, and disposable products. This supports higher renewable content and better overall performance.
In thermoset resins and composites, ELO is used to modify epoxy, unsaturated polyester, and polyurethane systems. It allows formulators to adjust flexibility, impact strength, and damping properties, which is useful for vibration‑damping parts, flexible protective coatings, and certain fiber‑reinforced composites. The fatty‑acid backbone can improve hydrophobicity and reduce brittleness in cured networks.
ELO is also being explored in functional fluids and specialty lubricants, where chemical modification can enhance oxidative stability and polarity. It may contribute to more sustainable transformer oils, metalworking fluids, or hydraulic fluids. These special applications show how ELO is evolving from a traditional PVC additive into a versatile component in advanced, eco‑oriented materials.