Soybean oil-based, aqueous cationic polyurethane dispersions: Synthesis and properties

A variety of soybean oil-based, aqueous cationic polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) have been successfully synthesized from methoxylated soybean oil polyols (MSOLs) with hydroxyl functionalities ranging from 2.4 to 4.0. The effects of the hydroxyl functionality of the MSOLs on the particle size of the PUDs and the thermal and mechanical properties of the resulting polyurethane films have been carefully investigated by Fourier transform infrared, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, thermal gravimetric analysis and measurement of the mechanical properties. The particle size diameter of the PUDs ranges from 45 to 115 nm. The resulting polyurethane films are thermally stable up to 200 degrees C and exhibit tensile stress-strain behavior ranging from elastomeric polymers to ductile plastics, depending on the hydroxyl functionality of the MSOLs. This work provides a new way of utilizing biorenewables for the preparation of value-added polymers with high performance. contributing to a sustainable chemical industry. Published by Elsevier B.V.