Replacement of petroleum-derived diols by sustainable biopolyols in one component polyurethane foams. (1st March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vale, Mário; Mateus, Maria Margarida; Galhano dos Santos, Rui; Nieto de Castro, Carlos; de Schrijver, Aster; Bordado, João C.; Marques, Ana C.
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 212(2019)
• Page Start: 1036
• Page End: 1043
• Publication Date: 2019-03-01
• Subjects: Lignopolyols -- Biopolyols -- Biomass -- Liquefaction -- Polyurethane foam -- Eco-innovative; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.12.088
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: This work reports on the development of eco-innovative and high performance one component polyurethane foams, originated from biopolyols, which were obtained from liquefaction of biomass, industry by-products, namely cork powder and eucalyptus bark. This effort consists of a cleaner production method to enable more sustainable materials and industry by-products valorisation, but also a reduction of the dependency on fossil oil derivatives. Low-value industrial cork powder and eucalyptus bark shreds were successfully liquefied into polyols, by a process based on acid-catalysed liquefaction, at atmospheric pressure, with conversion ratios up to 79%. The obtained biopolyols exhibited low acid values (1 mg KOH/g) and relatively high hydroxyl numbers (197–272 mg KOH/g) and were introduced into one component polyurethane formulations, fully replacing the petroleum-derived polyether and polyester diols in the formulation. The resultant rigid polyurethane foams exhibited a high output (16 g/s) and acceptable physical quality, assessed by optical and scanning electron microscopy. Their chemical structure, mechanical and thermal properties were evaluated through Fourier Transformed infrared spectroscopy, compression mechanical testing and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Sustainable biopolyols obtained by acid-catalysed liquefaction of cork powder and eucalyptus bark shreds. Full replacement of petroleum-derived polyols by biopolyols in one component PU foam formulations. Bio-derived PU foams exhibited improved mechanical and thermal properties.