Soybean Sourced Rigid Foams

Researchers at the Centre for Design, Development and Production at Pittsburg State University (Pittsburg, Kan.) have created rigid foams using polyols from epoxidized soybean oil. Researcher Zoran Petrovic reports that his team has successfully modified the soybean oil molecules into a reactive compound suitable for casting compounds and urethane foam production. Applications in coatings, adhesives, surfactants and lubricants are also possible. “Soy oil-based products are more hydrophobic (water resistant) than standard foams”, says Petrovic.