Applications of Polyols Derived from Renewable Resources in Polyurethanes

Lesquerella oil and castor oil were investigated in the synthesis of polyurethanes and copolymers of urethane-urea and urethane-isocyanurate. These polymer systems can be utilized in the preparation of elastomers, sealants, adhesives, and composites. In the preparation of polyurethanes, methylene-4,4′-di(phenyl isocyanate) (MDI), either the solid monomer or the liquid modified MDI, and 2,4-/2,6-toluene diisocyanate (TDI) are often used to link the polyols and hydroxyl chain extenders. To simulate the performance of castor oil and lesquerella oil in actual production, a model reaction was designed using a mixture of phenyl and o-tolyl isocyanate to react with the vegetable oils. Besides urethane formation, urea, trimer and other compounds can also be produced in the reaction. The selectivity of these reactions was determined by means of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Polyurethane and polyurethane-isocyanurate elastomers based on castor and lesquerella oils were prepared using a one shot process. The mechanical and thermal properties and morphologies of these elastomers were measured. The biodegradability of these polymers was examined using the bacterial strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 13388 and five strains of fungi.