Title: Jatropha oil-based polyol and polyurethane nanocomposite films reinforced nanocellulose fibers

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to present compilation comprehensive works that been carried- out by our group in INTROP UPM on Jatropha oil-based polyol and polyurethane nanocomposite films. It covers from synthesize of polyol, production of solvent and water- based polyurethane production, until fabrication of Jatropha oil-based polyurethane nanocomposite film reinforced with cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) and cellulose nanowhiskers (CNF). Jatropha oil-based waterborne polyurethane (JOWPU) dispersions were produced by polymerizing the JOL with isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and dimethylolpropionic acid (DMPA). Meanwhile, Jatropha oil-based polyurethane (JOSPU) dispersions were produced 4.4’-diphenyl-methane diisocyanate (MDI) and Jatropha-oil polyol (JO). For JWPU from polyol having OH number of 217 mgKOH/g appears to be a promising product for application as a binder for wood and decorative coatings. It’s also shows good stability of JOWPU dispersion. Green nanocomposite films were prepared incorporate nanocellulose fibers with JOWPU and JSPU using one-pot method. Different weight percent of nanocellulose were incorporated into JOPU films using vacuum rotavap and film casting in Teflon petri and placed in vacuum conditions. Chemical structures of neat and nanocomposite films were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Thermal stability tests of the films were carried out using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, Young modulus, and elongation at break, were investigated. Other properties such as density and water uptake were also determined. As conclusion, the addition of nanocellulose fibers in nanocomposite film even at low amount in JOPU-based films had successfully enhanced mechanical properties; tensile strength and modulus and shows minimal effects on physical properties of the films. However, other properties; thermal stability, elongation at break, water wettability and water uptake, found significantly affected. However, as overall It can be concluded that nanocomposite films filler showed an improved performance over neat film.