Date of Award

Spring 4-25-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Chemistry

First Advisor

Dr. Ram K. Gupta

Second Advisor

Prof. Khamis Siam

Third Advisor

Dr. Tim Dawsey

Keywords

Polymer, Cottonseed Origin, Inorganic fillers, Composites, Application Industries, Health care, Characterization, Gossypol

Abstract

Composites are extensively utilized as raw materials in an industry. In this study, we synthesized polymer composites, cottonseed oil polyol-based composites, incorporating inorganic fillers. This synthesis process involves the epoxidation of cottonseed oil followed by ring opening. Various characteristics of the polyol, such as the presence and quantity of hydroxyl groups (-OH), iodine value, and viscosity, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was determined. The composite samples were prepared by mixing different fillers (SiO2, TiO2, and Al2O3). These composite formulations underwent three-week processing period, with each filler being incorporated at room temperature. Compression testing was employed to examine the impacts of these composites on mechanical characteristics, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) clarified weight loss and changes in physical state at different temperatures. Hardness testing evaluated the strength and flexibility of materials. The inclusion of cottonseed-polyol in these composites holds promised for industrial applications. This research endeavors to contribute to the development of safer materials suitable for various industrial applications.

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