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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #215622
Title: Synthesis of Soy Polymers Using a "Green" Processing Method

Author
item Liu, Zengshe - Kevin
item Erhan, Sevim

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/22/2007
Publication Date: 7/1/2009
Citation: Liu, Z., Erhan, S.Z. 2009. Synthesis of Soy Polymers Using a "Green" Processing Method. In: Celina, M.C., Wiggins, J.S., Billingham, N.C., editors. Polymer Degradation and Performance. Chapter 7. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society. p. 70-87.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: In this study the soybean oils were polymerized in the scCO2 medium initiated by BF3.O(C2H5)2. Analysis of the spectra of 1H NMR and 13C NMR of the polymer gives a strong indication of soybean oil polymer formation. The resulting polymers with molecular weights ranging from 1,384 to 22,814 g/mole were observed. The effects of temperature, pressure and catalyst concentration have been evaluated experimentally. Overall, this polymerization of soybean oil in the scCO2 medium offers potential for several key advances, including: (i) the ability to produce liquid soy polymers that could be used as lubricants and hydraulic fluids and (ii) "green" processing method.