RESEARCHERS LOOK AT SOY OIL TO REPLACE PETROLEUM FOR A RANGE OF PRODUCTS

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RESEARCHERS LOOK AT SOY OIL TO REPLACE PETROLEUM FOR A RANGE OF PRODUCTS
01 April 2004 - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Virginia Tech researchers are mixing air and soybean oil to create new polymers to replace petroleum-based materials. "These natural polymers could be used in biocompatible or biodegradable ways," says Tim Long of Blacksburg, chemistry professor in the College of Science at Virginia Tech. "We are looking for natural products derived in the United States."

Virginia Tech researchers are mixing air and soybean oil to create new polymers to replace petroleum-based materials.

"These natural polymers could be used in biocompatible or biodegradable ways," says Tim Long of Blacksburg, chemistry professor in the College of Science at Virginia Tech. "We are looking for natural products derived in the United States."

"We bubble air and a catalyst through the oil to generate reactive compounds called polyols, which are suitable for polymerization," Long explains. "Polyols are used in polyurethanes, such as elastomers, foams, and biomedical applications."

Fornof’s and Long’s work represents collaboration between chemistry and chemical engineering. The research is supported by the U.S. Soybean Board.

Fornof earned her undergraduate degree in chemical engineering from Columbia University after graduating from Notre Dame Academy (high school) in Toledo.

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About: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
From a meagre beginning in October of 1872, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, popularly known as Virginia Tech, has evolved into a comprehensive university of national and international prominence. As Virginia's largest university with 25,600 students and one of the top 50 research institutions in the nation, it is an institution that firmly embraces a history of putting knowledge to work. That tradition is rooted in our motto, Ut Prosim: "That I May Serve," and our land-grant missions of instruction, research, and solving the problems of society through public service and outreach activities.

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