Synthesis of natural terpene-rosin phenolic resin with an environmental approach and artificial neural network modelling

Today, environmental and health concerns are driving the consumer interest in natural materials and resources. All over the world, restrictions on the consumption of synthetic chemicals lead the sector to biodegradable products. Natural resin is used in many industries such as paper, adhesives and paints thanks to its rich monomer content suitable for polymerization and derivatization. In this thesis, it is aimed to synthesize terpene-rosin phenolic resin (TRPR) which is a new and value-added resin derivative for our country, by treating terpene-enriched extraction resin with phenol. Also, it is intented to characterize the physical and chemical properties of the final product and substitute it for imported products. Amberlyst15, an environmentally friendly and reusable ion-exchange catalyst, was uniquely used in the synthesis reactions. In addition, the chemical structure of TRPR samples synthesized with different raw material ratio (terpene/natural resin), temperature (50-80°C) and pressure (1-4atm) parameters were investigated by Fouirer Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) analysis and it was observed that the synthesis reactions were successful. Moreover, color scale, softening point, acid and saponification values of the synthesized TRPR samples were determined. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) modeling was applied for the optimization of experimental parameters according to the characterization data. ANN modeling was designed with 3 inputs (pressure, temperature and terpene/natural resin ratio) and 4 outputs (reaction yield, acid number, saponification number and softening point). A Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) was conducted to assess the environmental impacts of TRPR production inputs and processes. Furthermore, an economic feasibility analysis was carried out to evaluate the viability of investing in TRPR production in Turkey. The highest TRPR yield (%84,79) was obtained with a terpene/NR ratio of (1/2) at 80°C and under 3 atm. The average molecular weight (Mw) of the TRPR sample was 560 g/mol. Additionally, the softening point of TRPR was found between 40°C and 80°C. It was calculated that the acid value of TRPR samples varied 90.55-149.33 mg KOH/g and the saponification value range between 100.12 and 167.79 mg KOH/g. According to LCA results, the process of TRPR production was found to have environmental impacts mostly in the categories of abiotic depletion (138091.6 kg Sb eq) and terrestrial toxicity (3.90E+12 kg 1,4-DB eq). The economic feasibility indicators showed that the return on investment was found to be 0.32 years. In the light of all the findings, TRPR is thought to be a more environmentally friendly and economical intermediate alternative for use in the paper, ink and adhesive industries. Keywords: Natural resin, Reusable catalyst, Turpentine, Terpene rosin phenolic resin, Artificial neural network, Life cycle assessment