Optimisation of Bio-polyol Production from Cassava Residue Using Ethylene Glycol as the Liquefaction Reagent

Abstract

Cassava residue was liquefied by using ethylene glycol (EG), ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate and polyethylene glycol (molecular weight: 400 g/mol) as the liquefaction reagent respectively at the temperature of 130–170 °C with sulfuric acid as the catalyst. The influences of liquefaction parameters, such as the type of liquefaction reagents, mass ratio of EG/cassava residue, liquefaction temperature and time on the properties of the products were discussed. The optimum liquefaction conditions were obtained when the mass ratio of EG/cassava residue was 6:1 (w/w), the liquefaction temperature was 150 °C, the liquefaction time was 3 h and the mass fraction of concentrated sulfuric acid/EG was 2.5wt%. The hydroxyl numbers and residue content of the liquefied products at optimal conditions were 1 137 mgKOH/g and 0.43%, respectively. FT-IR spectrum showed that the liquefaction product of cassava residue was polyether polyol and could be used to prepare polyurethane material or alkyd resins.