Zhigang Chen, research scientist in NDSU’s Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering, has received a grant award for $85,000 from the United Soybean Board. Chen’s research focuses on developing novel soy-based urethane acrylate oligomers and monomers through non-isocyanate synthesis route.

Urethane acrylates are important precursors in producing high performance thermoset materials such as coatings and composites. Currently, urethane acrylate production involves the use of phosgene (a chemical war agent) and isocyanates (toxic sensitizers).

Through this sponsored project, Chen will explore green, one-pot synthesis routes to produce soy-based urethane acrylate oligomers and monomers through non-phosgene and non-isocyanate synthesis routes. High performance, lower cost soy-based urethane acrylates are expected to be developed in safer synthesis routes, which will consequently find wide applications in biobased thermoset composites and coatings.

Chen earned a doctorate from NDSU’s Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials.