Synthesis of Novel Oligomeric Polyols from Epoxidised Methyl Oleate and Epoxidised Palm Olein for Elastic Polyurethane Products

Novel oligomeric polyols were synthesised from epoxidised methyl oleate (EMO) and epoxidised palm olein (EPOo) through epoxide ring opening polymerisation catalysed by boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BF₃. Et₂O). The properties of these oligomeric polyols were affected by the degree of epoxide of the feedstock as well as reaction conditions (monomer concentration, catalyst amount, reaction temperature and duration). Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis showed that the oligomeric content of the synthesised oligomeric polyols were in the range of 85-90 % and the number average molecular weight (Mn) of the oligomeric polyols were between 1900 Da and 16 100 Da depending on the feedstock. In addition, mass spectrometry, Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ ionisation-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses revealed that the oligomeric polyols were dimer and higher oligomers of feedstock linked by ether groups. These oligomeric polyols have desirable low acid values, which were less than 1 mg KOH g^-1 and hydroxyl values in between 35 to 45 mg KOH g^-1. The oligomeric polyols made from EPOo was mixed with polyethylene glycol (PEG 3350) and reacted with diisocyanate to form polyurethane (PU) sample with good elastomeric properties. (author)