Bio-Based Terrazzo Tile Fabrication Using Epoxy System and Modified Soybean Oil

This poster presents the development of bio-based terrazzo tiles fabricated using an epoxy resin system modified with soybean oil as a sustainable alternative to petrochemical binders. The research explores multiple resin formulations (60:40, 70:30, 75:25 epoxy-to-hardener ratios) and varying levels of modified soybean oil (0–30%) to evaluate flexural strength, stiffness, and processing behavior. Results show that the 75:25 epoxy-hardener formulation with 20–30% soybean oil provides the best balance between mechanical performance and sustainability, offering improved ductility while reducing reliance on fossil-based materials. The work demonstrates the potential of agriculture-driven innovation in construction materials, aligning with the global push toward a circular bio-based economy. By leveraging one of the U.S.’s most abundant crops, this approach supports domestic agriculture while creating scalable alternatives for the $34.2 billion terrazzo flooring market. This research was supported by the United Soybean Board (USB) under project number 2435-102-0201, in collaboration with the University of Louisville and Venosa LLC.