Structure and physical properties of films obtained from polyurethanes renewable sources

• Grant number: 12/05994-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Start date: January 01, 2013
• End date: June 30, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Elisabete Frollini
• Grantee: Cristina Gomes da Silva
• Supervisor: Suresh S. Narine
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Toronto (U of T), Canada
• Associated to the scholarship: 11/11008-7 - Films based on lignin produced in biorefineries and lignocellulosic fibers: composites of poly (lignophenolic) and poly (lignourethanes), BP.PD

Abstract

Macromolecule derived from agriculture industries, such as lignin and cellulose, as well as soybean and castor oils, among other, by having large amount of hydroxyl groups will be used in the preparation of polyurethanes (PU). Blends of these polyols will also be considered in the preparation of PU. It is also proposed in this work to replace the synthetic diisocyanate by a lipid derivative. Films will be prepared from the various PU-type biopolymers synthesized. Cellulose nanofibers will be prepared and used as reinforcement of the matrix of PU, aiming to improve the properties of these materials. The process of obtaining nanofibers will be via electrospinning or through the combination of refinement and high-energy mill (PFI, Paperindustriens Forkninginstitutt), and subsequent cryogenic crushing under liquid nitrogen. The biopolymers will be evaluated via MALD-TOF, which allows to evaluate the molecular weight distribution, and spectroscopic techniques (such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H, 13C), among others. The morphologie of nanofibers and films (reinforced or unreinforced) will be investigated by Field-emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Transmission Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The films will also be evaluated as to mechanical properties via tensile tests, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), thermal analysis (DSC, TG), among others. (AU)