Italian synthetic fibre business Fulgar has launched a new high performance nylon fibre
made from biopolymer extracted from castor oil seed.
The fibre, Evo, is suitable for all applications, particularly, for the sports sector as it is ultra-light, stretchy and easily breathable.
Researchers from Malaysia conducted an experiment to synthesize castor oil based polyurethane and analyse its potential application as a base material in polymer 
electrolytes. Castor oil polyols were synthesized and mixed with 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate to synthesize the desired biobased polyurethane.
Characteristic studies showed that the synthesized polyurethane had favourable properties and hence could be used as a base material in polymer electrolytes.
Researchers from Spain performed an experiment to analyse post-polymerization modifications of a functional polyester derived from castor oil. 
The aliphatic functional polyester was obtained by enzymatic polycondensation of dimethyl 2,9-dibromosebacate and 1,10-decanediol derived from castor oil.
Results showed that the alkyl halide functionality reacted with thiols, amines and carboxylic acid under mild conditions showing high modification degrees.
Researchers from Spain used castor oil as a matrix material to prepare biocompatible and biodegradable nanocomposite films filled with chitosan modified ZnO nanoparticles for wound healing. The biocomposites were prepared by solution mixing and casting method. The morphology, structure and wound healing properties of 
the films were analysed. The antibacterial activity of the films were investigated in the presence and absence of UV light.
Results showed that the antibacterial activity was stronger against gram positive bacteria. Composites with nanoparticle loading enabled faster wound healing thus showing the potential to be applied as antibacterial wound dressings.
Scientists from Turkey conducted a study to investigate a new type of bifunctional monomer obtained from castor oil. Castor oil was first reacted with acryloyl chloride to obtain acrylated castor oil. Epoxidized acrylated castor oil obtained after epoxidation reaction was characterized using various techniques.
After characterization, homo and block copolymers were synthesized and evaluated. It was observed that epoxidized acrylated castor oil copolymer showed higher storage modulus and higher thermal stability.
Researchers from Nigeria performed an experiment to analyze the effect of castor oil as an auxiliary stabilizer in the production of polyurethane foams. Castor oil was used as a substitute to silicone oil at different percentages.
The results showed that castor oil could be a best partial substitute for silicone oil at higher densities.
Scientists from China conducted an experiment to synthesize bio-castor oil polyurethane flexible foams and study the influence of biotic component on their performance. A series of biobased polyurethane foams were synthesized by substituting polyether polyol with castor oil and polyethylene glycol (PEG). The influence of castor oil component on the structure and physical properties of polyurethane foams were studied.
Results showed that the Young’s modulus and compression resilience improved with increased content of castor oil. They also exhibited lower water absorption and higher contact angle with increase in content of castor oil.
Researchers from India performed an experiment to study interfacial tension and contact angle of synthesized surfactant and polymeric from castor oil. The polymeric surfactant was synthesized from pre-synthesized sodium methyl ester sulfonate (surfactant) and acrylamide for application in chemical enhanced oil recovery.
The synthesized surfactant and polymeric surfactant were used to measure interfacial tension between their aqueous phase and crude oil phase. Contact angles of solid-crude oil-surfactant interface were also measured. Results showed that interfacial tension was lower which is effective for oil recovery.
Scientists conducted an experiment to analyze the influence of isocyanate, hydroxyl groups and transesterified castor oil on the structure and properties of polyurethane. Polyurethane was synthesized using transesterified castor oil and partially Biobased isocyanate with varying concentrations of isocyanate and hydroxyl groups.
The chemical and mechanical properties, thermal stability of polyurethanes were analyzed. Results showed that NCO/OH molar ratio had profound effect on the tensile properties and modulus of polyurethanes.
Scientists from Brazil conducted an experiment to evaluate the biocompatibility and osteogenesis of castor oil polymer doped with SiO2 or BaTiO3 nanopar
ticles.
Twenty-four rats with bone defect were experimented with castor oil polymer doped with SiO2 or BaTiO3. Euthanasia occurred 30 and 60 days after surgery and the femurs were sent to histological analysis and MEV. Results showed that the implants were biocompatible and allowed for progressive osteogenesis. Thus, castor oil polymer doped with SiO2 or BaTiO3 remains biocompatible and allows for osteogenesis.