Development of Soybean Oil Based Polyurethane Rigid Foams for Structural Applications
Department
Chemistry
Major
Chemistry
Research Advisor
Nam, Paul Ki-souk
Advisor's Department
Chemistry
Funding Source
Department of Energy
Abstract
As a part of the investigation to create polyurethane products from renewable biomass resources, polyurethane foams were produced from commercially-available polyols derived from modified soybean oils. For use in structural applications such as construction and casting, the rigid polyurethane foam was formulated to have high strength with the low thermal conductivity and density. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments were carried out to assess the thermo-physical properties and composition of the foams produced. Density was measured by cutting geometric shapes. The mechanical properties and thermal conductivity were also evaluated. It has been shown that soybean oil derived polyols can replace the conventional petroleum-based polyol resins and produce quality polyurethane rigid foams with excellent structural performance.
Biography
Andrew is a senior in Chemistry program here at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. He has been involved in undergraduate research since the beginning of the summer of his sophomore year. Andrew is interested in the research and development of bio-based products and energy. His future plans are to attend graduate school.
Research Category
Sciences
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Document Type
Presentation
Location
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Presentation Date
03 Apr 2013, 9:00 am - 11:45 am
Development of Soybean Oil Based Polyurethane Rigid Foams for Structural Applications
Upper Atrium/Hallway
As a part of the investigation to create polyurethane products from renewable biomass resources, polyurethane foams were produced from commercially-available polyols derived from modified soybean oils. For use in structural applications such as construction and casting, the rigid polyurethane foam was formulated to have high strength with the low thermal conductivity and density. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments were carried out to assess the thermo-physical properties and composition of the foams produced. Density was measured by cutting geometric shapes. The mechanical properties and thermal conductivity were also evaluated. It has been shown that soybean oil derived polyols can replace the conventional petroleum-based polyol resins and produce quality polyurethane rigid foams with excellent structural performance.
