The effects of carbonized Eucalyptus globulus leaves on castor seed oil based urethane coating system

The usability of nanomaterials in various research endeavour has been on the front. burner in the past few decades. This is due to its high aspect ratio and steep electrical, molecular defined structure, mechanical and physical properties. This present study reports the synthesis of carbon nanomaterials (CNM) from Eucalyptus globulus leaves. Fresh green leaves of Eucalyptus globulus were collected and dried under the sun. The dried brown leaves were later incinerated completely under atmospheric oxygen. Obtained ashes were treated with acid piranha solution in other to modify the peripheral of the ashes with carboxyl groups (CNM-COOH). Scanning electron microscopy image divulges the presence of carbon nanorods in the ash. CNM-COON materials in percentages were then incorporated within the polyurethane polymer matrix of which Castor seed oil (Ricinus communis) and trimethylopropane (TMP) provided the hydroxyl base for urethanation. Infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis was used to confirm material modification. Synthesized urethane composites of CNM-COOH material shows improved thermal, mechanical, hydrophobicity and anticorrosion properties when compared with that of pristine polyurethane (PU).