Module IIA. Innovations in Soy Chemistry: Industrial Case Studies

Module II presents seven case studies that highlight the successful replacement of petroleum-based industrial chemicals with renewable soybean oil or meal, demonstrating the application of green principles and sustainable innovation. Each case study is supported by references that allow educators to expand the material or assign readings for students. While each study could be further enriched with additional chemistry topics, the authors have intentionally designed them to be easily integrated into existing curricula, with the goal of sparking deeper exploration based on instructor interests and expertise. Six of the case studies focus on specific applications--such as transformer oils or wood adhesives--that connect fundamental chemistry concepts with real-world uses. These examples emphasize both the performance benefits and sustainability attributes of soy-based technologies while posing discussion questions to engage students in critical thinking. One case study features polyols derived from soybean oil and is complemented by a video series by Professor Mojgan Nejad of Michigan State University. These polyols play a vital role in more sustainable polyurethane production and provide an accessible entry point into polymer chemistry. Each of the six case studies includes a detailed Word document along with a PowerPoint presentation that summarizes the content for effective use in the classroom. The module was reviewed by Andrew Aebly (Ph.D.), Jessica Tischler (Ph.D.), Robert Bice (Ed.D), Rachel Jones Lipinski (Ph.D.), Nikita Burrows (Ph.D.), Anita Nehra (Ph.D.), and Vaso Lykirounou (Ph.D).