2002 Annual Report
Research
Characterization of the Properties of Soybean Oil in Reaction with Di-isocyanate
for Urethane Production
Mrinal Bhattacharya, Professor
Jacob John, Research Associate
Funding Source
Urethane Soy Systems
Objective
The objective of this proposal is twofold: (1) to completely characterize
a modified soybean oil in terms of its properties, and (2) to study the
reaction of the soybean oil with di-isocyanate in the manufacturing of
urethane for the production of foams.
Project Description
Soybean oils have hydroxyl groups. A method has recently been developed
to increase the hydroxyl number of the oil. This increase in the hydroxyl
number makes it possible for modified soybean oil to be used as a replacement
in part or whole for polyols used in the manufacture of urethane. The
global demand for polyurethane exceeded six million metric tonnes in 1998,
indicating that surplus soybean oil could be totally used up in manufacturing
of polyurethane if proper properties of the end-product could be obtained.
More importantly, the modified soybean oil is 10-15¢/gallon cheaper
than the typical price of polyol used in the manufacturing process. This
significantly affects the economics of a commodity plastic and could result
in a tremendous value addition for a traditional agricultural commodity.
Results
The modified soybean oil has increased hydroxyl number as compared to unmodified oil. The molecular weight, poly-dispersity index, and the percentage of saturated acids was also higher for the modified soybean oil. The FTIR spectra of the samples indicated the presence of secondary hydroxyl groups (1099 cm-1). Reactions of the modified soy polyol with 4,4’-diphenylmethane di-isocyanate (MDI) in the presence and absence of water has been conducted and the reaction and the properties of the end product are being characterized.