Development of novel environmental friendly polyurethane foams

Abstract

To prepare materials with improved recycling capability, new flexible biodegradable polyurethane foams, in which non-degradable polyether polyol was partly substituted by the bio-polyols based on cellulose or starch derivatives were synthesized. The incorporation of biopolyols into the foams' structures as well as their influence on the foam thermal stability was assessed by Fouriertransformed infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis analyses. The ecotoxicological aspects of the newly synthesized foams were investigated by extracting the samples using freshwater as a solvent followed by applying the microbiotest screening toxkit under trade name ''Thamnotoxkit F TM '' with larvae of freshwater shrimps Thamnocephalus platyurus.

Synthesis and characterization of cellulose nanocrystals as reinforcing agent in solely palm based polyurethane foam

“…20,21 In Figure 7, we can clearly see that the initial degradation occursfrom 205 C, followed by second degradation at around 350 C for neat PU foam. The incorporation of 0.4 wt.…”

Biodegradation of polyurethane‐polyhydroxybutyrate elastomeric composite investigated from morphological and structural viewpoint

“…PU degradability is largely influenced by the chemical structure of the polyol segment (polyester type or polyether type) . Polyester PUs are vulnerable to hydrolysis and further to microbial attack …”

“…16,[24][25][26][27] Polyester PUs are vulnerable to hydrolysis and further to microbial attack. 28 Standard test methods and specifications needed to characterize the biodegradability and compostability of materials are well developed. 29 Internationally recognized standardization bodies, such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), as well as regional standardization bodies, such as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), are actively involved in developing standards related to composting and biodegradation.…”

Dimensionally Stable Water-Blown Polyurethane Foam Extended With Bio-Based Propylene Glycol and Modified With Paper Waste Sludge

“…Such methods are analysed using various oils, e.g. palm (Pawlik, Prociak 2011), soy (Gu, Sain 2013), rapeseed (Kurańska et al 2015), castor (Wik et al 2011) and even molasses (Hatakeyama et al 2011), corn, potato starches and wheat (David et al 2009). In order to replace petroleumbased polyols with polyols from vegetable oils, they must conform certain requirements raised for polyols used in the production of polyurethane foams, i.e.…”