Synthesis and Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties of Novel Polyurethane Elastomers Derived from Castor Oil

International Journal of Chemistry | Vol. 1, No. 11, November 2010 | pp. 177–184

DOI: 10.46882/2010/IJC/000022

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Synthesis and Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties of Novel Polyurethane Elastomers Derived from Castor Oil

Names of Authors: F. E. Okieimen¹, J. U. Radhakrishnan¹*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Chemistry, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.

Abstract: The production of polyols from non-edible plant lipids offers a sustainable platform for replacing petroleum feedstocks in the polymer manufacturing sector. This research examines the structural design and material optimization of novel polyurethane elastomers synthesized via a green pathway using crude castor oil (Ricinus communis). The hydroxyl-rich triglyceride structure of castor oil was directly reacted with toluene diisocyanate (TDI) at varying isocyanate-to-hydroxyl (NCO/OH) molar ratios ranging from 1.0 to 1.6 in the presence of dibutyltin dilaurate as a catalyst. Structural network crosslinking was confirmed via Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy by noting the complete disappearance of the characteristic isocyanate peak at 2270 cm⁻¹ and the appearance of intense urethane linkage bands (N-H at 3300 cm⁻¹, C=O at 1710 cm⁻¹). Tensile strength evaluations showed that elastomer sheets prepared with an NCO/OH ratio of 1.4 achieved a maximum tensile strength of 24.5 MPa and an elongation at break of 185%. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated high thermal stability, with initial decomposition commencing above 285°C. Water absorption and chemical resistance tests in 10% HCl and 10% NaOH solutions revealed strong hydrolytic stability due to the hydrophobic nature of long-chain fatty acid segments, establishing these bio-rubbers as protective industrial coatings.

Keywords: Polyurethane; Castor oil; Bio-based polymers; Crosslinking density; Tensile strength; Thermogravimetric analysis

Manuscript Timeline: Received: August 11, 2010; Revised: September 20, 2010; Accepted: October 12, 2010; Published: November 10, 2010.

Citation: Okieimen, F. E., & Radhakrishnan, J. U. (2010). Synthesis and Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties of Novel Polyurethane Elastomers Derived from Castor Oil. International Journal of Chemistry, 1(11), 177–184.

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