Aiga Ivdre

Nanocellulose reinforced polyurethane obtained from hydroxylated soybean oil

In this research, cellulose nanocrystals were successfully obtained from macrocrystalline cellulose and dispersed in a polyurethane matrix Cellulose nanocrystals were characterized by dynamic light scattering. Polyurethane matrix was prepared from hydroxylated soybean oil, tertiary amine catalyst and polymeric diphenyl diisocyanate. Nanocellulose reinforced polyurethane composites were successfully prepared with different concentration and good dispersion of cellulose nanocrystals. Thermal properties and tensile strength of the resulting films were evaluated and dynamic mechanical analysis was carried out. The glass transition temperature of the nanocomposites increased slightly by increasing concentration of nanocellulose. The highest tensile strength was found for the nanocomposite with 1 wt% of cellulose nanocrystals.

Effect of different concentration of rapeseed oil and recycled poly (ethylene terephthalate) in polyols for rigid polyurethane foams

In this research, polyols from rapeseed oil and recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) were synthesized by two-step continuous synthesis with a different rapeseed oil and poly(ethylene terephthalate) concentration. All rapeseed oil/poly(ethylene terephthalate) polyols showed complete compatibility with blowing agent Solkane 365/227. The resulting polyols were used to prepare rigid polyurethane foams which were characterized with various techniques for determination of their physical, mechanical and thermal insulation properties. The effect of rapeseed oil and poly(ethylene terephthalate) concentrations in polyols on the characteristics of rigid polyurethane foams was investigated. The results showed that obtained rigid polyurethane foams were suitable for thermal insulation appliance. Also, the potential use of rapeseed oil as raw material combined with poly(ethylene terephthalate) to synthesize polyols with good compatibility with blowing agent was confirmed.