Synthesis and characterization of polyurethanes from epoxidized methyl oleate based polyether polyols as renewable resources

Oligomeric polyether polyols were obtained through the acid-catalyzed ring-opening polymerization of epoxidized methyl oleate and the subsequent partial reduction of ester groups to give primary alcohols. The oligomers were characterized with titration, spectroscopic techniques (Fourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance), matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, size exclusion chromatography, and differential scanning calorimetry. Depending on the degree of reduction, polyols of different hydroxyl content values were obtained and were reacted with 4,4'-methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate) to yield polyurethanes. These materials, which were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, could behave as hard rubbers or rigid plastics. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.