Polymer Synthesis from Cottonseed Oil

Polymer Synthesis from Cottonseed Oil

Deonante Frazier¹, Rangana Wijayapala¹, Bill Elmore¹, Charles Freeman², Santanu Kundu¹

¹Mississippi State University, Department of Chemical Engineering, Starkville, Mississippi

² Mississippi State University, Department of Fashion, Starkville, MS

Abstract: Traditional plastics are usually made by polymerizing petroleum-based chemicals. This method is cost efficient; however, these petroleum-based plastics can stay in landfills for a long time without any significant deterioration. Overtime, chemicals from plastic can leech into the soil, which can contaminate viable groundwater. These reasons are why this study is focused on the cost-efficient polymerization of biodegradable plastics. Rigid biodegradable thermostat polymers were synthesized by using radical co-polymerization of cottonseed oil monogylcerides maleates with styrene. At first, glycerol, cottonseed oil, and a catalyst, were reacted under an N₂ atmosphere at 240°C to create cottonseed oil monoglycerides (CSOMG). Three different catalysts were studied to increase the efficiency of glycerolysis reaction. Next, the CSOMG was reacted to maleic anhydride at 80°C to create a maleate half-ester of CSOMG. FTIR analysis was used to characterize the product after these reactions. Finally, radical initiated copolymerization of the CSOMG maleates was conducted with styrene and benzoyl peroxide to create the rigid, thermostat polymers. Thermal stability of the polymers was investigated using the TGA analysis. In additions, Polymer were subjected to solubility tests to determine chemical stability.