Preparation of Soy Hull Augmented Rigid and Flexible Polyurethane Films and Assessment of Their Mechanical and Thermal Properties

Author

Avni Shah

Abstract

"Polyurethane foam consumption is continuing to grow at a rapid pace throughout the world. This growth can be attributed to their light weight, excellent strength and superior insulating abilities.

Recently polyurethane foams have been successfully prepared from renewable and inexpensive natural resources such as the soy hulls. These soy hull-based foams are of considerable interest because of their low cost, good mechanical properties and biodegradability.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the mechanical and thermal properties of soy hull augmented polyurethane films. Rigid and flexible polyurethane films were prepared in the laboratory through partial substitution of polyol with soy hulls. Soy hull augmented polyurethane films were evaluated for properties like density, hardness, tensile strength, thermal conductivity and gas permeability through standard test methods. Results of the tests showed that polyurethane films obtained by substituting polyol with up to 30% soy hull led to an enhancement in mechanical strength relative to the polyurethane without soy hulls. Results of thermal properties tests showed that the thermal conductivity and gas permeability of soy hull containing polyurethane films were comparable to those obtained with foams without soy hulls. Overall, soy hull augmented provide superior ·mechanical properties relative to non-soy hull polyurethane foams, while their thermal properties are the same as those of the non-soy hull polyurethane foams. Thus, soy hull polyurethane foams should prove to be superior materials for structural insulating foams"-- Abstract, p. iii

Advisor(s)

Flanigan, V. J.

Committee Member(s)

Kapila, Shubhender
Chandrashekhara, K.

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Sponsor(s)

University of Missouri--Rolla. Center for Environmental Science and Technology (CEST)

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

Fall 2006

Pagination

x, 60 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 56-59)

Rights

© 2006 Avni Shah, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

PolyurethanesSoy branUrethane foam -- Mechanical propertiesUrethane foam -- Thermal properties

Thesis Number

T 9119

Print OCLC #

132904154

Recommended Citation

Shah, Avni, "Preparation of Soy Hull Augmented Rigid and Flexible Polyurethane Films and Assessment of Their Mechanical and Thermal Properties" (2006). Masters Theses. 5909.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses/5909