Turning Plants Into Paint New Applications of Soybean Oil By Eric Wiedner and Dr. Harvest Collier Department of Chemistry University of Missouri – Rolla Project Description The goal of this project is to transform soybean oil into commercially viable paint and coatings systems. Because it is derived from soybean plants, soybean oil is a renewable resource that is already produced in large quantities. We have demonstrated that soybean oil can be incorporated into a variety of polymers. We have made a number of different paints with our soybean polymers, and we plan to create a soy polymer database for quick reference when designing paint for a specific application. We are also looking at the feasibility of using our soy polymers to manufacture molded plastic goods. Project Goals Develop an acrylic coating system Develop a polyester coating system Construct a database of polymer properties Examine the possibility of producing a soy-based coating system with a quick drying time (< 10 minutes) for use in traffic coatings Explore products that can be used in other applications, such as molded plastics Info on Polymer Types Polyacrylates are a commonly used in many household paints and in applications that are governed more by cost efficiency than high performance. Polyacrylates are the polymer of choice for latex paints. However, all of our acrylic soy polymers tend to foam when mixed with water, making them not suitable for use in latex paints. Polyesters can be produced with a wide range of physical properties, making them very versatile. Common applications of polyesters include paints and synthetic fabrics. We have focused on developing soy polyesters that can be used in paints. Polyurethanes are very durable and perform well in many applications. However, they can be more costly than polyacrylates and polyesters, and the chemicals used to make them can be dangerous if not handled properly. Despite their drawbacks, polyurethanes are generally preferred when performance is more important than cost. Polycarbonates are also very durable and are often used in creating molded plastics. Polycarbonates are easy to produce industrially, but we do not currently have the necessary equipment to safely produce large amounts of soy polycarbonates. Epoxy Resins typically possess excellent performance characteristics and are very versatile. They can be used to create two package paints that are mixed immediately before application and create a paint with outstanding physical properties. Research Outcomes Produced ten soy polymer systems Formulated two white acrylic paints Formulated a white polyester coating Demonstrated preliminary evidence that soy polymers can be used in manufacturing molded plastics Soybean Facts Soybeans constitute 56% of the world’s oilseed production The U.S. alone produces 45% of the world’s soybean crops In 2000, Missouri’s soybean crop was valued at $831 million for 35% of the state’s total principal crop value. About 98.3% of a yield of soybeans can be turned into useful raw materials, 18.3% of which is soybean oil Only 24% of the U.S. industrial soybean oil is used in paints, varnishes, resins, and plastics Above: Some of the soy compounds produced while developing the polymer systems Above: A mature soybean plant Below: A test panel coated with an acrylic soy paint Above: A picture of a full-grown soybean pod