Chapter 3: The Polyol Promise (Resolution)
Dawn was breaking over the PIT facility. Dr. Ana Chavez and Leo, having worked through the night, made a crucial decision: they stabilized the polyol by gently reheating the flask to re-solve the heavy waxes, then immediately moved to the final application test before the waxes could re-crystallize.
Dr. Chavez retrieved the flask, her eyes strained. "The (OH) value is confirmed at 151 mg KOH/g—the chemistry is correct. Now for the product performance test."
Leo, the engineering student, prepared two clean molds: one for their purified Lesquerella polyol and one for the industry-standard petroleum polyol (the material the hub would switch to).
"Finn," Dr. Chavez instructed, "You handle the mold temperature control. Keep it steady at 3 degrees Celsius above ambient, exactly where Leo set it."
Dr. Chavez injected the Lesquerella polyol mix into the clean mold. The foam began to rise, but it was sluggish. The cell structure looked uneven and chunky.
"It's failing!" Dr. Chavez cried.
Leo adjusted the mold temperature controller. "It’s the exotherm, Dr. Chavez! Our new bio-polyol has a slightly lower heat output. The mixing chamber is too cold!"
He injected the second batch. The foam reacted instantly. It swelled with uniform, powerful speed, filling the mold perfectly.
Dr. Chavez placed the perfect Lesquerella foam sample on the testing rig. Next to it, she placed the petroleum control foam. The machine tested the controls. The digital readout climbed higher, far exceeding the standard—it was stronger and lighter. SUCCESS.
Dr. Chavez looked from the superior foam sample back to Leo. "It wasn't the chemistry that saved us, Leo. It was the engineering—your knowledge of the process. We didn't just meet the petroleum standard, we beat it."
She grabbed her phone and immediately called the CEO of the regional processing hub. Leo looked down at the foam—a solid, superior material made from a crop that could thrive in drought-stressed Western Kansas, securing a resilient supply chain for the region.
The MAG team delivered the proof the regional processing board demanded! The Lesquerella polyol is viable... But a new, immense challenge now looms: Who will fund the massive transition from petroleum to bio-polymer, and how will the farmers be convinced to risk planting an entirely new crop?
Add comment
Comments