Researcher proposes to prepare flame-retardant polyurethane foams using soybean oil as a renewable resource along with nitrogen and phosphorous-containing compounds as non-toxic flame-retardants. This work will provide a new pathway to utilize a large quantity of soybean oil.

We propose to synthesize soybean oil-based polyol for polyurethane foams using a cost-effective method that will provide polyurethane foams with improved physicomechanical properties, thermal stability, and a significant reduction in flammability of the polyurethane foams.

1) Synthesize soybean oil-based polyol for polyurethane industries using cost-effective methods

2) Synthesize phosphorous based new flame-retardant using a facile method which does not require high temperature, solvent, and purification steps

3) Synthesis of nitrogen and phosphorous based flame-retardant to significantly reduce the flammability of polyurethane foams due to the synergism effect of nitrogen and phosphorous

4) Test the physicomechanical properties, thermal behavior, and flammability of the polyurethane foams prepared using the synthesized soybean oil-based polyol and flame-retardants. Commercial flame-retardants will be also tested in soybean oil-based polyurethane foams.

5) File a patent and work towards commercialization of the developed technology/products in partnership with Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council (MSMC)

a) Develop and optimize cost-effective methods to synthesize soybean oil-based polyols for polyurethanes (Suitable for commercialization)

b) Provide a facile process to synthesize phosphorous based reactive flame-retardant for polyurethane industries (Appropriate for large scale production)

c) Create a new demand for value-added applications of soybean oil (Financial benefit to soybean growers)

d) File a patent and work towards commercialization of the developed technology and products in partnership with MSMC (Long term and constant revenue for MSMC)

e) Involve students and researchers to develop a skilled workforce (Create talent within the United States)

f) Create a public awareness regarding the value-added applications of soybean by presenting the outcome of the project in seminars/conferences after protecting intellectual properties.

This work will provide a new pathway to utilize a large quantity of soybean oil and assuming incorporation of these
polyols in the polyurethane industry will generate a demand of over five million tons of soybean oil every year providing greater value for the soybean farmers.