Pure Polyurethane and Castor Oil Based Polyurethane: Synthesis and Characterization

In this study, the physico-chemical properties of high performance polyurethane
synthesized from poly propylene glycol (PPG) in comparison with a combination of
PPG and castor oil, is studied using the in-situ polymerization technique. The variations
in properties of both types of polyurethanes are evaluated by Fourier transform infrared
spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD)
and the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) technique. Tensile strength properties were
investigated by film tensile testing equipment. The results indicated the presence of
large -CH stretching in the castor oil mixed polyurethane with a larger oxidative thermal
stability over pure PPG polyurethanes. The tensile properties were found to be almost
comparable in pure and mixed polymers, signifying the usage of mixed polymers in the
future to overcome the environmental and economic crisis in polyurethane synthesis