Utilization of Used Cooking Oil Waste as a Mixture of Polyol Sources in Polyurethane Composites Using Toluene is Adopted with Sugarcane Dregs

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 28 views

Utilization of Used Cooking Oil Waste as a Mixture of Polyol Sources in Polyurethane Composites Using Toluene is Adopted with Sugarcane Dregs

Introduction

Polyurethane is a versatile polymer that has been widely used in various industries due to its excellent mechanical properties, thermal stability, and chemical resistance. However, the production of polyurethane requires the use of traditional polyols, which are often derived from petroleum-based resources. This study aims to explore the use of used cooking oil waste as a source of polyols and identify the right composition of sugarcane pulp fibers in the manufacture of polyurethane composites.

Background

Polyurethane is a type of polymer that results from the reaction between the polyol group (OH) and the isocyanate group (NCO). The production of polyurethane involves the use of traditional polyols, which are often derived from petroleum-based resources. However, the increasing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly materials has led to the exploration of alternative polyol sources. Used cooking oil waste, which is rich in fat, has been identified as a potential source of polyols. Additionally, sugarcane pulp fibers have been used as a filler to increase the mechanical strength and composite endurance of polyurethane composites.

Materials and Methods

The ingredients used in this study consist of used cooking oil waste, FF 7119-2 technical polyol, toluene, and sugarcane pulp fiber that has been mashed into powder using a ball mill tool and sifted until it reaches 100 mesh particle size. The process of making polyurethane begins by mixing used cooking oil and polyol waste in a ratio of 3: 7 (% W). After that, this mixture is reacted with toluene with a comparison variation of 1: 1, 1: 2, 1: 3, and 1: 4 (% W). For the manufacture of polyurethane composite, the ratio between used cooking oil waste and FF 7119-2 polyols remains 3: 7 (%W), but added sugarcane pulp fiber with a proportion of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%. The mixture is stirred until it starts to expand, then poured into a mold and cut for testing.

Results

The results showed that Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicated the presence of amida I (n-H) groups, carbonyl groups (C = O), and Amide II (n-H and C-N) which showed the presence of uretan groups as a result of polymerization reactions in polyurethane and polyurethane composite. In terms of physical and mechanical properties, the best results for polyurethane are obtained with a tensile force value of 0.403 MPa, extension when breaking up 4.506%, modulus of elasticity of 14.951 MPa, strength of 600,125 J/M², and water absorption by 9.91%. As for polyurethane composite, the best results show the tensile strength of 1,336 MPa, extension when breaking 5,670%, modulus of elasticity of 45.095 MPa, strength of 1239,767 J/M², and water absorption 24.63%. Testing is also supported by analysis using Electron Microscopy (SEM) scanning which gives a deeper picture of the structure and material properties.

Discussion

The use of used cooking oil waste as a source of polyol in making polyurethane does not only have the potential to reduce waste but can also reduce production costs. Cooking oil waste is rich in fat and can function as an environmentally friendly alternative for traditional polyols. On the other hand, sugar cane pulp fibers used as a filler can increase mechanical strength and composite endurance, making it more applicable in various industries.

The selection of the ratio between polyol and toluene is crucial in determining the material nature of the material. The right variation will produce an optimal interaction between the two materials, thereby increasing overall composite performance. This research opens new opportunities to utilize existing resources more efficiently and environmentally friendly.

Conclusion

The results of this study have the potential to make a significant contribution in the development of new materials that are more sustainable. By continuing to explore a combination of raw materials and processing techniques, we can produce materials that not only meet industrial needs, but also contribute to environmental preservation. The implementation of the concept of waste treatment into a useful product can be one solution in overcoming waste problems and at the same time creating added value in the material industry.

Future Work

Future studies can focus on optimizing the ratio between polyol and toluene to produce polyurethane composites with improved mechanical properties. Additionally, the use of other alternative polyol sources, such as vegetable oils, can be explored to further reduce the environmental impact of polyurethane production. Furthermore, the development of new processing techniques can be investigated to improve the efficiency and sustainability of polyurethane production.

References

[List of references cited in the study]

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the support of [funding agency] and [institution] for providing the necessary resources and facilities for this study. We would also like to thank [collaborators] for their valuable contributions to this research.
Q&A: Utilization of Used Cooking Oil Waste as a Mixture of Polyol Sources in Polyurethane Composites

Q: What is the main objective of this study?

A: The main objective of this study is to explore the use of used cooking oil waste as a source of polyols and identify the right composition of sugarcane pulp fibers in the manufacture of polyurethane composites.

Q: What are the benefits of using used cooking oil waste as a source of polyols?

A: The use of used cooking oil waste as a source of polyols has several benefits, including reducing waste, reducing production costs, and providing an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional polyols.

Q: How does the addition of sugarcane pulp fibers affect the mechanical properties of polyurethane composites?

A: The addition of sugarcane pulp fibers can increase the mechanical strength and composite endurance of polyurethane composites, making them more applicable in various industries.

Q: What is the significance of the ratio between polyol and toluene in determining the material nature of the material?

A: The selection of the ratio between polyol and toluene is crucial in determining the material nature of the material. The right variation will produce an optimal interaction between the two materials, thereby increasing overall composite performance.

Q: What are the potential applications of polyurethane composites made from used cooking oil waste and sugarcane pulp fibers?

A: The potential applications of polyurethane composites made from used cooking oil waste and sugarcane pulp fibers include various industries such as automotive, construction, and packaging.

Q: How can this study contribute to the development of sustainable materials?

A: This study can contribute to the development of sustainable materials by providing a new source of polyols and reducing the environmental impact of polyurethane production.

Q: What are the future directions for this research?

A: Future studies can focus on optimizing the ratio between polyol and toluene to produce polyurethane composites with improved mechanical properties. Additionally, the use of other alternative polyol sources, such as vegetable oils, can be explored to further reduce the environmental impact of polyurethane production.

Q: What are the potential challenges and limitations of this research?

A: The potential challenges and limitations of this research include the need for further optimization of the ratio between polyol and toluene, the potential for variations in the quality of used cooking oil waste, and the need for further testing and validation of the results.

Q: How can this research be applied in real-world scenarios?

A: This research can be applied in real-world scenarios by using polyurethane composites made from used cooking oil waste and sugarcane pulp fibers in various industries such as automotive, construction, and packaging.

Q: What are the potential economic benefits of this research?

A: The potential economic benefits of this research include reducing production costs, increasing the value of used cooking oil waste, and creating new opportunities for the development of sustainable materials.

Q: How can this research contribute to the development of a circular economy?

A: This research can contribute to the development of a circular economy by providing a new source of polyols, reducing waste, and promoting the use of sustainable materials.