Synthesis and Characterization of Starch-Based Polyurethane (PU)

Tay, Yee Xuan (2022) Synthesis and Characterization of Starch-Based Polyurethane (PU). Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

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Abstract

In this project, the synthesis and characterization of starch-based polyurethane (PU) had been investigated. Due to the unexpected Covid-19 pandemic, the hands-on experiment to conduct the study could not be achieved. Though, the synthesis of polyurethane is basically based on the formation of urethane linkage between a polyol and diisocyanate compounds. Prior to the introduction into the polyurethane, starch was modified to compensate for several weaknesses present in the native starch. Appropriate methods to characterize the polymer product had also been studied. Except for confirming the successful introduction of starch into the polyurethane as well as the starch modification, the properties and performance of the modified starch and polyurethane were also explored. Several studies had also conducted the research from the aspect of how the amount of starch introduced into the polyurethane would affect the polyurethane. In addition to studying the polyurethane added with starch, the research studying polyurethane incorporated with other bio-based substances (i.e. castor oil) followed by comparing its properties to the starch-based polyurethane were also reviewed. Other than this, the studies of starch modification and the subsequent influences were also reviewed, going into the deeper aspects in investigating how exactly the different modification methods could be applied to modify and enhance the initial poor performances, such as mechanical properties, hydrophilicity, and thermal stability, of starch. To further explore the application of modified starch on polymer, several articles looking into the incorporation of starch into other polymeric materials including the resulting in-field performances were also studied. Generally, the incorporation of starch into polyurethane could greatly enhance the polyurethane properties when compared to those conventionally synthesized without the starch addition. Majority of the studies indicated the extent of polyurethane enhancement is directly related to the amount of starch added. However, a particular study showed it is not always the trend where the improvement of polyurethane was only observed when a rather small quantity of starch was added. The properties of polyurethane have diminished when the proportion of starch incorporated further increased.