Soy-based polyurethanes by nonisocyanate route

Polyurethanes by a nonisocyanate route were prepared by reacting carbonated soybean oil with different diamines. The effect of amine structure and carbonate to amine ratio on polyurethane structure and mechanical, physical, and swelling properties was studied. The reactants 1,2-ethylenediamine, 1,4-butylenediamine, and 1,6-hexamethylenediamine were used with the carbonate to amine ratio of 1 : 0.5, 1 : 1, and 1 : 2. It was found that along with urethane formation, the amine group reacted with ester groups to form amides. All amines produced elastomeric polyurethanes with glass transitions between 0 and 40 degrees C and hardness between 40 and 90 Shore A. The reaction of epoxidized soybean oil with carbon dioxide was optimized resulting in complete conversion of epoxy to cyclic carbonate groups ending in polyurethanes with higher crosslinking density and much higher tensile strength than previously reported for similar polyurethanes. Swelling in toluene and water depended on crosslinking density and the polarity of polyurethane networks controlled by the cyclic carbonate-to-amine-ratio. (C) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.