Scientific African (Jul 2023)
Development of functional polyurethane-cenosphere hybrid composite coatings from ricinus communis seed oil
Abstract
The usage of castor seed oil (CSO) as a sustainable and non-toxic biodegradable substitute for non-eco-friendly petroleum-based chemicals must be considered. This renewable feedstock (seed oil) is vital for developing polymeric organic coatings. This report investigates the one-spot synthesis of castor seed oil, 1,1,1-Tris(hydroxymethyl) propane (cross-linker), Isophorone diisocyanate, and cenosphere nanoparticles incorporated within the polymer matrix. The hybrid coatings were characterised using FT-IR, NMR, FESEM, and XRD. The FT-IR spectrum showing the presence of absorption peaks at 1350 cm-1, 1102 cm-1, and 1000 cm-1, which represent the (Al=O), (SiO-Si), and (AlO4) functional groups, respectively confirms the modifications carried out on the cenosphere fly ash nanoparticles. The thermal stability of the synthesised composites was evaluated on a thermogravimetric analyser (TGA). The TGA thermograms showed improved thermal stability as the percentage composition of CFA material increased in the coating system. The antimicrobial activity indicates that the PU-CFA composite bettered resistance toward Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.