ARS | Publication request: RIGID URETHANE FOAMS FROM A SOY POLYOL-DOD HYBRID

Submitted to: Annual Meeting and Expo of the American Oil Chemists' Society
Publication Type: Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: May 9, 2003
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: DOD, 7,10-dihydroxy-8e-octadecenoic acid, is produced by microbial conversion of oleic acid. Because DOD is trifunctional - two hydroxyls and one carboxyl, we examined the possibility that this compound may be suited for polyurethane production. HCFC-blown rigid polyurethane foams were successfully made from a hybrid of soy polyol, DOD, and glycerol. The amount of DOD incorporated can be up to 50% in weight of the soy polyol while the amount of glycerol used is in the range of 20-30% in weight. Hydroxyl number is thus adjusted to be in the range of 490-560 mg KOH/g. The mechanical property (compressive strength), thermoinsulating property, and open-cell content were measured and were found in line with, or better than, commercial foams and foams made from soy polyol. The emulsion formed from the hybrid of soy polyol, DOD, and glycerol seems to be more stable on standing than the mixture of soy polyol with glycerol which tends to separate within hours. Less blowing agent is required since carbon dioxide gas is formed as a result of the reaction between the carboxylic acid and the isocyanate. Further work on the soy polyol-DOD hybrid is underway.