Interpenetrating polymer networks based on modified castor oil urethane and poly(methyl methacrylate)

Castor oil was initially subjected to interesterification reaction with linseed oil, and the resulting intermediate was used for the preparation of urethane and their interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs). The homopolymers and IPNs were characterized for physico-mechanical and thermal properties. The morphologies of IPNs were studied by scanning electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. On comparing the mechanical properties of unmodified and modified castor oil urethane and their IPNs it was found that modified castor oil (with 30 wt% linseed oil) showed higher tensile strength and hardness and lower elongation. IPNs of modified castor oil urethane and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) showed better compatibility than unmodified castor oil urethane/PMMA IPNs. No significant change was observed in case of thermal behavior.