Masters Theses

Abstract

"Soy hull is a byproduct of soybean processing; the material is primarily used as animal feed. However, because of its fiber content it is drawing attention in human nutrition as well. The center for Environmental Science and Technology at the University of Missouri - Rolla has been engaged in developing other economical non-traditional uses for this and other soy products. A plastic market segment, which offers a good opportunity for industrial use of soy hull, is the controlled rigidity polyurethane foam.

A few attempts to incorporate soy-protein isolates or soybean oil derived polyols have been described in the literature. Both of these materials are higher cost soyproducts. Most of the work was focused on using the soy products as filler in polyurethane foams. The current research was focused on the use of soy hull as a partial replacement for the polyol in the manufacture of polyurethane foams.

The research led to the development of a process for generating soy hull augmented controlled-rigidity polyurethane foam. The process relies on incorporation of partially hydrolyzed soy hulls into water blown poly-urethane formulations. The partial hydrolysis of cellulose, hemi cellulose, and lignin enhances interaction between isocyanate and the hydroxyl groups of the oligosaccharides and the amine groups of the oligopeptides to form controlled-rigidity foam structures. Results show that soy hull augmented foams possess superior tensile strength, compressive strength, and hardness. Direct incorporation of ground soy hulls, by contrast, leads to high-density foam with poor mechanical properties."--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Dr. V. J. Flanigan

Committee Member(s)

Dr. Shubhender Kapila
Dr. K. Chandrashekhara

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

Fall 2003

Pagination

x, 54 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 52-53)

Rights

© 2003 Vijay Manohar Kakarla, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Polyurethanes -- Technological innovations
Soy bran
Foamed materials -- Mechanical properties

Thesis Number

T 8391

Print OCLC #

55132656

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