Synthesis and characterization of castor oil-based polyurethane for potential application as host in polymer electrolytes

Polyurethane (PU) based on polyol, derived from castor oil has been synthesized and characterized for potential use as a base material for electrolytes. Transesterification process of castor oil formed a polyol with hydroxyl value of 190 mg KOH g−1 and molecular weight of 2786 g mol−1. The polyols together with 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate were used to synthesize the desired bio-based PU. The molecular structure of PU was investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The disappearance of NCO peak in the FTIR spectrum at 2270–2250 cm−1 showed that diisocyanate has completely reacted to form PU. Morphological characteristic of the PU film was analysed using scanning electron microscopy, whereas thermal characteristics of the materials were characterized using dynamic mechanical analysis and thermal gravimetric analysis. The cross-sectional micrograph showed that the prepared film was highly amorphous and homogeneous. Thermal studies revealed that the film had low glass transition temperature, −15.8°C, and was thermally stable up to 259°C. These observations indicated the synthesized PU possessed favourable properties to act as a base material in polymer electrolytes.