Physical and Chemical Properties of Synthesized Polyurethane from Starches

The advancement of sustainable polyurethanes (PUs) derived from renewable resources is imperative for mitigating environmental degradation and diminishing dependence on fossil fuels. This research investigates the synthesis and characterization of bio-based polyurethane (PU) foams. The foams are synthesized utilizing toluene diisocyanate (TDI) in conjunction with polyols procured from locally sourced Nigerian starches, specifically corn, cassava, and cocoyam. The foams underwent meticulous analysis employing Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), as well as tensile and flexural mechanical testing. Mechanical evaluations revealed that the cassava starch-derived PUs exhibited the highest tensile strength of 4.29 MPa, representing a 109% enhancement compared to the petroleum-based reference material. In contrast, the corn starch-derived PUs demonstrated a superior flexural strength of 6.42 MPa. The results underscore the significant influence of the starch source on the architecture of the polymer network and the corresponding material characteristics, thereby validating the feasibility of producing high-performance, eco-friendly PUs from agricultural resources through the utilization of native starches activated by pre-dispersion and non-toxic ZnO catalysis. This study contributes to the advancement of sustainable polymer science and offers a viable methodology for the application of bio-based polyurethanes within industrial contexts.