Synthesis of trimethylolpropane esters of tall oil fatty acids and properties of polyurethane coatings on their basis

Tall oil fatty acids (TOFA) were esterified with trimethylolpropane (TMP) without a catalyst at different molar ratios of TMP to TOFA. A molar ratio was defined, at which a polyol stable in long-term storage, with the maximum content of TMP monoesters, was synthesized. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography were used for the identification of the polyols’ chemical structure and composition. Based on the synthesized polyols, polyurethane coatings were prepared. The effect of the isocyanate index and concentration of traditional Sn-based and less toxic Bi-based catalysts on the gel time of the polyurethane composition, and the mechanical and thermal properties of the coatings was studied. It was found that the new coatings had high tensile strength and modulus of elasticity, comparable with the strength and modulus of the polyurethane based on diethanolamides of TOFA. The initial temperature of decomposition of these coatings was higher than that of the polyurethanes based on esters of TOFA and a number of uralkyds. The coatings based on TMP esters of TOFA were obtained without the use of solvents, and potentially, these esters can be used in spray-applied VOC-free polyurethane coatings’ formulation.