Polyurethane from Orange Oil

Kunststoffe International.com

May 30, 2012
Bio-based polyurethanes can be obtained from limonene, oxygen and carbon dioxide

Researchers at the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry at the University of Freiburg have developed a process with which bio-based polyurethanes can be derived from the naturally occurring substance limonene through reaction with oxygen and carbon dioxide. Limonene is the primary component of orange oil and is collected in large quantities as a by-product in the course of producing orange juice.

According to reports, limonene oxide has for the first time successfully undergone reaction with carbon dioxide without the need for a solvent. The reaction yields limonene dicarbonate, a compound that can be cast and cured (hardened) with amines. The researchers also used citric acid amidoamine as the curing agent for the first time; it too is derived from citrus fruits. The curing reaction produces polyurethanes as the product. The materials obtained from limonene can, for instance, be used for molded parts in the automobile industry and thermal insulation as well as coating systems and adhesives.

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