Novel Vegetable Oil-Based Polyurethane Dispersions as Anti-Corrosive Coating Materials

The purpose of this proposal for start-up funding is to request funding for research and development of sustainable polymeric coatings derived from vegetable oils for anti-corrosion applications. This first objective of the proposed project is to formulate phase-stable polyurethane dispersions using hydrogenated castor oil (HCO) instead of castor oil. This project has identified a gap in the previous research where the carbon-carbon double bonds in castor oil are more susceptible to free radical-based aging processes. By eliminating removing the carbon-carbon double bonds, the resulting polyurethane films will have improved thermal and oxidative stability. The key challenge in formulation will be overcoming the significantly higher melting temperature of HCO. The second objective is to develop a series of polyurethane dispersions based on HCO that will be used to investigate the relationships between polymer structures and material properties. The PI is very familiar with this area of research having worked on related projects during his Ph.D. dissertation. There is no conflict with currently funded projects because his formed Ph.D. advisor has retired. Intellectual Merits of the Project: This research will improve on existing technology by eliminating the double bonds found in castor oil-based polyurethanes and will make the coatings more durable to exposure to sunlight. The project will provide a platform for further studies using HCO-based polyurethane dispersions as anti-corrosive coatings. Broader Impacts of the Project: The proposed coatings is expected to provide improvements over current waterborne vegetable oil-based polyurethane coatings, which may translate to economic benefits to the Saudi Arabia. Companies within the Kingdom that currently manufacture and distribute vegetable oils, such as the AJWA Group and the Savola Group, would likely be interested in applications of this technology. Furthermore, this project will provide for educational opportunities and for educational outreach with students at KFUPM. This project will provide students with exposure to interdisciplinary studies interfacing chemistry, materials science, and engineering.