Bio-polyol production from sunflower oil influencing structure and properties by geographical origin and nucleophiles

As the demand for sustainable production practices rises, polyurethane manufacturers are seeking environmentally friendly polyols. This study explores sunflower oil (SFO) from two agricultural regions as a viable alternative to traditional petrochemical feedstocks. The synthesis of the desired polyol involves a two-step process: first, epoxidation of SFO, followed by ring-opening reactions with amine and alcohol nucleophiles. This approach eliminates the need to separate and purify the formed epoxide, thereby enhancing the renewable nature of the raw materials. Various characterization techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and hydroxyl value (OHv) analysis, confirmed the successful synthesis and the presence of functional groups in the polyols. Rheological evaluation using an MCR-300 rotational rheometer indicated that the viscosity of the synthesized polyol at 25 ± 0.1 °C was within the range of 3.5 – 4.3 Pa.s, demonstrating suitable rheological stability. Additionally, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis revealed a number-average molecular weight (Mn) of 942.36 g/mol and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 1.6211, indicating a broad molecular weight distribution typical for polymers derived from natural sources. Our findings indicate that the geographical location of sunflower oil cultivation significantly affects its chemical composition and structural properties, which, in turn, influence the polyol characteristics. However, while the abstract notes the influence of geographical origin on polyol properties, it does not specify critical performance indicators affected, such as hydroxyl value, viscosity, and stability. It is recommended to supplement this key data in future versions to enhance the persuasiveness of the conclusions. Notably, different nucleophiles yield varying outcomes in polyol production, underscoring the complexity of the research. This study highlights the potential of SFO as a renewable resource for polyol production, laying the groundwork for sustainable practices in the polyurethane industry and suggesting further optimization and exploration of its applications.