ARS | Publication request: Lewis acid catalyzed ring-opening polymerization of natural epoxy oil (Euphorbia oil) in carbon dioxide media

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: July 29, 2012
Publication Date: October 26, 2012
Citation: Liu, Z., Shah, S.N. 2012. Lewis acid catalyzed ring-opening polymerization of natural epoxy oil (Euphorbia oil) in carbon dioxide media [abstract]. Proceedings of the International Conference on Natural Polymers, Bio-Polymers, Bio-Materials, their Composites, Blends, IPNs, Polyelectrolytes and Gels: Macro to Nano Scales (ICNP-2012), October 26-28, 2012, Kottayam, Kerala, India. p. 18.

Technical Abstract: In an attempt to build up useful application of plant oil based polymers, natural epoxy oil (euphorbia oil-EuO) was polymerized in liquid carbon dioxide in the presence of Lewis acid catalyst [Boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BF3•OEt2)]. The resulting polymers (RPEuO) were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), 1H NMR, 13C NMR, solid state 13C NMR spectroscopies, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The results signify that the ring-opening polymerization of EuO occurred at mild conditions, such as at room temperature, and a subcritical CO2 pressure of 65.5 bar. The produced RPEuO materials were cross-linked polymers. The glass transition temperatures of these polymers ranged from -15.0°C to -22.7°C. TGA results confirmed that the RPEuO polymers were thermally stable at temperatures lower than 220°C and considerable decomposition mainly occurred above 340°C.