Insulating rigid polyurethane foams from laurel tree pruning based polyol. Issue 6 (25th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rincón, Esther; Balu, Alina M.; Luque, Rafael; Serrano, Luis
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied polymer science. Volume 138:Issue 6(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-08-25
• Subjects: biopolymers -- foams -- mechanical properties -- renewable polymers; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; 668.9
• DOI: 10.1002/app.49789
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-8995

Abstract

Abstract: The present work deals with the production of a natural polyol from laurel tree pruning waste, aiming the preparation of polyurethane foams. The obtained bio‐polyol was characterized and applied into foams studying the influence of the isocyanate used and the addition of the physical blowing agent. The incorporation of the polyol allowed 40% polyol substitution for those foams in which TDI was used, and up to 60% using MDI. Apparent density, cell morphology, mechanical, and thermal properties were evaluated. Mechanical and thermal properties of the foams improve to a greater amount of polyol in the matrix. Specifically, the best thermal and mechanical properties (274.99 and 7275.91 kPa for compressive strength and Young Modulus, respectively) were obtained with 50% polyol substitution (0.63 RNCO/OH ). Foams showed small, well‐defined cell morphology. Laurel derived polyol can be used for the preparation of foams using MDI, since the mechanical, and thermal properties are promising for obtaining insulation materials in the construction industry. Abstract : The work presents a simple, easy, and economical conversion of laurel tree pruning waste into bio‐polyol and later into bio‐foams analyzing the grade of substitution of commercial oils by the natural derived polyol.