Polyetherols and polyurethane foams from starch. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lubczak, Renata; Szczęch, Dominik; Broda, Daniel; Wojnarowska-Nowak, Renata; Kus-Liśkiewicz, Małgorzata; Dębska, Bernardetta; Lubczak, Jacek
• Is Part Of: Polymer testing. Volume 93(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: Starch -- Hydroxyalkylation -- Polyurethane foams -- Properties -- Biodegradation; Polymers -- Testing -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Tests -- Périodiques; 620.1920287
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2020.106884
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0142-9418

Abstract

Abstract: New method of synthesis of polyetherols from starch in aqueous solution was elaborated. Starch was converted into polyetherols by reactions with alkylene carbonates. The products are mixtures of starch-derived polyetherols and products of hydroxyalkylation of water. The elaborated method can be useful, eco-friendly synthetic route avoiding burdensome solvents. The polyetherols were characterized by IR, H NMR and MALDI-ToF spectroscopes and used to obtain rigid polyurethane foams. The properties of polyurethane foams obtained from such polyetherols were investigated. The polyurethane foams have apparent density, water uptake and polymerization shrinkage similar to the classic polyurethane foams. Some of obtained PUFs show improved thermal resistance; they stand long term heating at 175 °C. Furthermore, thermal exposure of obtained PUFs results in increase of their compression strength, which renders them valuable material for isolation. The polyurethane foam obtained from polyetherols synthesized in a reaction of starch with propylene carbonate showed moderate availability to biodegradation as was demonstrated by bioavailability tests with Bacillus subtilis . Highlights: The synthesis of polyols based on starch and alkylene carbonates was elaborated. The composition, structure and basic physical properties of the obtained polyols were examined. These polyols are suitable for the synthesis of rigid polyurethane foams. Some of the obtained foams have better thermal resistance than conventional polyurethane foams. Polyurethane foam were partially biodegraded in a bioavailability test with Bacillus subtilis bacteria.