Polymers from triglyceride oils

Recently, the use of renewable sources in the preparation of various industrial materials has been revitalized because of the environmental concerns. Natural oils are considered to be the most important class of renewable sources. They can be obtained from naturally occurring plants, such as sunflower, cotton, linseed. They consist predominantly of triglycerides. This review covers the structure, property and modification of triglyceride oils and synthesis of polymers there from. Polymers from triglyceride oils are prepared via conceptually different strategies. Various polymerization methods, including condensation, radical, cationic and methathesis procedures have been applied. The scope, limitations, and possibility of utilizing such methods for various applications have been highlighted. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.