Bio-Based Polyurethane Foams from Kraft Lignin with Improved Fire Resistance.

Polymers (Basel)

CICECO-Institute of Materials and Department of Chemistry, Campus de Santiago, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.

Published: February 2023


Category Ranking

98%

Total Visits

921

Avg Visit Duration

2 minutes

Citations

20

Article Abstract

Rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs) were synthesized using exclusively lignin-based polyol (LBP) obtained via the oxyalkylation of kraft lignin with propylene carbonate (PC). Using the design of experiments methodology combined with statistical analysis, the formulations were optimized to obtain a bio-based RPUF with low thermal conductivity and low apparent density to be used as a lightweight insulating material. The thermo-mechanical properties of the ensuing foams were compared with those of a commercial RPUF and a RPUF (RPUF-conv) produced using a conventional polyol. The bio-based RPUF obtained using the optimized formulation exhibited low thermal conductivity (0.0289 W/m·K), low density (33.2 kg/m), and reasonable cell morphology. Although the bio-based RPUF has slightly lower thermo-oxidative stability and mechanical properties than RPUF-conv, it is still suitable for thermal insulation applications. In addition, the fire resistance of this bio-based foam has been improved, with its average heat release rate (HRR) reduced by 18.5% and its burn time extended by 25% compared to RPUF-conv. Overall, this bio-based RPUF has shown potential to replace petroleum-based RPUF as an insulating material. This is the first report regarding the use of 100% unpurified LBP obtained via the oxyalkylation of LignoBoost kraft lignin in the production of RPUFs.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10005662PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/polym15051074DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

bio-based rpuf
16
kraft lignin
12
polyurethane foams
8
fire resistance
8
lbp oxyalkylation
8
low thermal
8
thermal conductivity
8
insulating material
8
rpuf
7
bio-based
6

Similar Publications

Bio-based sodium alginate/ammonium polyphosphate aerogel-coated rigid polyurethane foam: A sustainable approach for enhanced flame retardancy.

Int J Biol Macromol

June 2025

School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Ma'anshan, Anhui 243002, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environment friendly Polymer Materials, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China. Electronic address:

In order to overcome the fire risk of rigid polyurethane foam, this work aims to construct APP/SA/TEOS aerogel fire-proof coating on the surface of RPUF by vacuum freeze-drying, and the effect of the coating on the flame retardancy, thermal insulation and char formation properties of RPUF were systematically investigated. The results of thermogravimetry analysis (TG) shows that the APP/SA/TEOS aerogel coating endows the RPUF with better thermal stability, and the residual char at 700 °C is 198 % higher than that of the pure sample. Meanwhile, the LOI value was greatly improved to 60 vol%.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

In this study, isosorbide (ISB), a bio-based compound derived from the dehydration of D-sorbitol, was used as a sustainable resource to produce various types of rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs). Featuring a rigid bicyclic structure and two hydroxyl groups, ISB was solubilized in polyether polyol at concentrations up to 10 wt% for RPUF production. ISB-based RPUFs exhibited smaller and more uniform cell sizes, along with a 4% increase in closed-cell content, resulting in improved thermal insulation with a 4.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) is a widely utilized thermosetting polymer across various industrial applications, valued for its exceptional properties. However, the demand for sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based polymers has grown increasingly urgent due to rising environmental concerns. Despite its widespread use, RPUF faces challenges such as inadequate mechanical strength, limited thermal stability, and high flammability, all of which are crucial considerations in commercial and household applications.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Recycling the sediment of cotton spinning effluent for rigid polyurethane foams.

Int J Biol Macromol

December 2024

Engineering Laboratory of Chemical Resources Utilization in South Xinjiang of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, College of Life Sciences, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang 843300, PR China. Electronic address:

Sediment from the effluent of cotton spinning industry was valorized as the renewable bio-based polyols substitute for the rigid polyurethane (RPUFs), targeting to generate the economic and environmental benefits. Before reaction with the isocyanate, the sediment was functionalized by hydroxymethylation, in order to increase the density of the active hydroxyl groups for higher reactivity. The structural characterization results of the functionalized sediment indicated the material exhibited narrow molecular weight distribution, high hydroxyl groups content, and highly aromatic skeleton, which can be qualified as the renewable polyols for the RPUFs.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Both environmental and economic disadvantages of using petroleum-based products have been forcing researchers to work on environmentally friendly, sustainable, and economical alternatives. The purpose of this study is to optimize the solvothermal liquefaction process of grape pomace using response surface methodology coupled with a central composite design. After investigating the physicochemical properties of the liquified products (biopolyol) in detail, a bio-based rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) was synthesized and characterized.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF