Soy-Based Polyols via Aromatic Sulfonic Acid Catalysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for converting vegetable oils into polyols of higher molecular weight are inefficient and economically unviable, lacking in producing polyols with improved properties suitable for urethane formulations.

Innovation Solution

A process involving the contact of soy-based epoxidized triglycerides with hydroxyl-containing reactants in the presence of aromatic sulfonic acid to produce oligomeric polyols with enhanced epoxy and hydroxyl functionality, which are then used to create phosphate ester-substituted polyols for improved urethane bioelastomer formulations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional methods are used to convert vegetable oils into polyols of higher molecular weight, then polyols can be produced, but the process is inefficient and economically unviable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of polyol productionVSAvoideconomic viability of polyol production

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the reaction system by introducing aromatic sulfonic acid as a catalyst and using specific hydroxyl-containing reactants with epoxidized triglycerides. This alters the reaction kinetics and pathway to achieve higher molecular weight polyols more efficiently and economically through optimized chemical transformation conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional polyol production methods are used, then polyols can be produced, but they lack improved properties suitable for urethane formulations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuitability for urethane formulationsVSAvoidefficiency of producing improved polyols

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical structure and properties of polyols by controlling the epoxidation degree, selecting specific hydroxyl-containing reactants, and using aromatic sulfonic acid catalysis. These parameter changes produce polyols with enhanced epoxy and hydroxyl functionality that are specifically suited for urethane formulations while maintaining production efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite molecular structures by combining epoxidized triglyceride backbones with hydroxyl-containing reactants. This results in polyols that possess both the renewable character of vegetable oils and the enhanced functionality needed for high-performance urethane applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The process results in polyols with increased hydroxyl values and reduced acid numbers, leading to urethane bioelastomers with high tensile strength and thermal properties, reducing the need for excessive isocyanate usage and minimizing extractable oils.

Implementation Method 1

contacting a soy-based epoxidized triglyceride with a hydroxyl-containing reactant in the presence of an aromatic sulfonic acid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

reacting the epoxy moiety of an epoxidized natural oil with a hydroxyl moiety of an alcohol

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAddition reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS8471072B2Soy-based polyols

Publication Date: 2013.06.25 THE CURATORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI

AI summary

The invention provides processes for preparing soy-based oligomeric polyols or substituted oligomeric polyols, as well as urethane bioelasteromers comprising the oligomeric polyols or substituted oligomeric polyols.