Kinetic and chemorheological modeling of thermosetting polyurethanes obtained from an epoxidized soybean oil polyol crosslinked with glycerin

Thermosetting polyurethanes were obtained using an aromatic isocyanate and a hydrophobic polyol formulation from epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) crosslinked with glycerin. A systematic DSC analysis of the effect catalyst type, crosslinker concentration, index ESO crystallization on cure kinetics was conducted. The combination stannic at 0.2 wt% glycerin 20 produced governed by autocatalytic heat flow where vitrification played key role in formation chemical bonds. evolution Tg as function conversion, which followed Di-Benedetto's predictions, supported hypothesis that preponderant phenomenon during cure. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) post-cured sample revealed centered 220°C, whereas quasi-static flexural mechanical tests shown modulus 2.14 GPa strength 99.4 MPa. Rheological experiments isothermal conditions apparent viscosity. master model Kim-Macosko equations for proposed formulation. results presented this work will serve to further extend use biobased polymers applied polymer composite industry.