2024
Thermally Recyclable and Self-healable Soybean Oil-based Polyurethane Forms
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Contributor/Checkoff:
United Soybean Board
Category:
Industrial
Keywords:
AutomotiveEnabling technologyFoamIndustrial UsesSustainability
Parent Project:
This is the first year of this project.
Lead Principal Investigator:
Jinwen Zhang, Washington State University
Co-Principal Investigators:
Project Code:
24-106-D-B-1-A
Contributing Organization (Checkoff):
United Soybean Board
$115,854
Institution Funded:
Washington State University
$115,854
Brief Project Summary:
We plan to introduce a unique cleavable chain extender/crosslinker in the preparation of soybean oil-based polyurethane foams, which will not only greatly improve the recycling rate by compression molding but also make the fast recycling via the continuous extrusion possible. Further, we will demonstrate preparation of natural fiber reinforced foams.
Information And Results
Project Summary

Project Objectives

Project Deliverables

Progress Of Work

Final Project Results

This project demonstrates the potential for soybean-derived chemicals to play an exemplary role in transforming traditional linear-life polyurethane products to circular polymer materials. By leveraging the transesterification reaction inherently brought by soybean oil-based polyols, we have explored novel approaches to enhance recyclability and performance of new polyurethane foams (PUFs) with high soybean oil polyol content. These efforts connect the U.S. soybean agriculture with innovative industrial products and applications, showcasing the versatility and value of soy-based products in creating advanced eco-friendly and sustainable materials.

Benefit To Soybean Farmers

Utilization of polyurethane foam waste for preparation of value-added thermoplastic polymer blends is a new research area and is understudied. Leveraging the inherently higher recyclability of soybean oil-based polyurethane foam is a creative and novel idea. The technology developed from this project will make the SO-based polyurethane foam products more competitive and attractive by closing the loop in material circularity which would allow U.S. soybean farmers and industry to play a larger role in the transition to circular economy for plastics.

The United Soybean Research Retention policy will display final reports with the project once completed but working files will be purged after three years. And financial information after seven years. All pertinent information is in the final report or if you want more information, please contact the project lead at your state soybean organization or principal investigator listed on the project.