Polyurethane Foams for Thermal Insulation Uses Produced from Castor Oil and Crude Glycerol Biopolyols

Abstract

Rigid polyurethane foams were synthesized using a renewable polyol from the simple physical mixture of castor oil and crude glycerol. The effect of the catalyst (DBTDL) content and blowing agents in the foams’ properties were evaluated. The use of physical blowing agents (cyclopentane and n-pentane) allowed foams with smaller cells to be obtained in comparison with the foams produced with a chemical blowing agent (water). The increase of the water content caused a decrease in density, thermal conductivity, compressive strength, and Young’s modulus, which indicates that the increment of CO2 production contributes to the formation of larger cells. Higher amounts of catalyst in the foam formulations caused a slight density decrease and a small increase of thermal conductivity, compressive strength, and Young’s modulus values. These green foams presented properties that indicate a great potential to be used as thermal insulation: density (23–41 kg·m−3), thermal conductivity (0.0128–0.0207 W·m−1·K−1), compressive strength (45–188 kPa), and Young’s modulus (3–28 kPa). These biofoams are also environmentally friendly polymers and can aggregate revenue to the biodiesel industry, contributing to a reduction in fuel prices.

Filler-Modified Castor Oil-Based Polyurethane Foam for the Removal of Aqueous Heavy Metals Detected Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) Technique

“…Led by the rise of environmental concern, a new trend in PU research has been shifted to the use of bio-polyol resources. Lignin, starch, cellulose, chitosan, and vegetable oils (including castor oil) are some examples of many bio-polyols that have been used by researchers in PU synthesis for multiple applications in either pharmacy, building construction, packaging, agriculture, or other fields [16][17][18][19][20][21].…”

“…This material can appear in an open or closed cell structure with a wide range of rigidity (rigid, semirigid, and flexible foam) [19]. Hence, PUF has been noticeable for its high applicability as a thermal insulator [16], adhesive [17], and fertilizer release controller [21], and many others. In this research, however, we will employ PUF's applicability in heavy metal removal by incorporating activated carbon, bentonite, and zeolite as modifying fillers.…”

The influence of different glycerine purities on chemical recycling process of polyurethane waste and resulting semi‐products

“…For sample GL62, the intensity of the peak is the smallest, which is consistent with the information presented in Table . Other glycerine‐specific peaks occur at wavenumbers in the range 2700–2990 and 1150–1520 cm −1 and are caused by stretching and bending vibrations of CH group, respectively . The absorption band at around 950–1150 cm −1 is associated with stretching vibration of CO bond present in primary or secondary hydroxyl groups in glycerine.…”

“…All visible absorption bands of these samples correspond to the absorption bands of pure glycerine. However, they may have differed in intensity or width, caused by some minor impurities . The absorption band in the range 3000–3600 cm −1 is associated with stretching vibration of the hydroxyl group of glycerol and methanol.…”

Recent Advancement in Plant Oil Derived Polyol‐Based Polyurethane Foam for Future Perspective: A Review

“…PUs are widely used in the synthesis of foams, coatings, adhesives, films, and elastomers, and among them, PUF has the largest market share—quantitatively more than 50%, currently. PUFs are used in various applications including thermal insulation in automotive, construction, footwear, acoustic, furniture, and packaging for the transportation of goods, and building insulation to reduce noise pollution . Currently, 95% of PUF industries are using the petroleum‐based polyols (polypropylene glycol and polyethylene glycol [PEG]) and isocyanates (diphenylmethane diisocyanate [MDI], toluene diisocyanate) for synthesizing PU .…”