Study on the Structure-Property Dependences of Rigid PUR-PIR Foams Obtained from Marine Biomass-Based Biopolyol

Abstract

The paper describes the preparation and characterization of rigid polyurethane-polyisocyanurate (PUR-PIR) foams obtained with biopolyol synthesized in the process of liquefaction of biomass from the Baltic Sea. The obtained foams differed in the content of biopolyol in polyol mixture (0–30 wt%) and the isocyanate index (IISO = 200, 250, and 300). The prepared foams were characterized in terms of processing parameters (processing times, synthesis temperature), physical (sol fraction content, apparent density) and chemical structure (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), microstructure (computer microtomography), as well as mechanical (compressive strength, dynamic mechanical analysis), and thermal properties (thermogravimetric analysis, thermal conductivity coefficient). The influence of biopolyol and IISO content on the above properties was determined. The addition of up to 30 wt% of biopolyol increased the reactivity of the polyol mixture, and the obtained foams showed enhanced mechanical, thermal, and insulating properties compared to foams prepared solely with petrochemical polyol. The addition of up to 30 wt% of biopolyol did not significantly affect the chemical structure and average cell size. With the increase in IISO, a slight decrease in processing times and mechanical properties was observed. As expected, foams with higher IISO exhibited a higher relative concentration of polyisocyanurate groups in their chemical structure, which was confirmed using principal component analysis (PCA).

Characterization of Highly Filled Glass Fiber/Carbon Fiber Polyurethane Composites with the Addition of Bio-Polyol Obtained through Biomass Liquefaction

“…The process of thermal decomposition of polyurethane materials is very complicated, due to the presence of a wide variety of substances, a large number of possible degradation products, especially for materials manufactured with the addition of bio-based polyols. Moreover, it is possible that the addition of bio-polyols in the production of PU materials leads to the deterioration of thermal stability [ 10 , 27 ].…”

Structural Changes and Their Implications in Foamed Flexible Polyurethane Composites Filled with Rapeseed Oil-Treated Ground Tire Rubber

“…This parameter can indicate the amount of non-crosslinked or unbound material, which can be extracted by solvent [52]. The low value of 2.3% noted for the unfilled PU foam indicates that the material was almost wholly reacted with only a small portion of extractives, which is typical for PU foams, especially at a lower isocyanate index [53]. The introduction of GTR caused an increase in sol fraction, which can be attributed to the presence of loose macromolecules in waste rubber particles and the unreacted portion of the polyurethane mixture [54].…”

Coir Fibers Treated with Henna as a Potential Reinforcing Filler in the Synthesis of Polyurethane Composites

“…Polyurethanes (PUR) represent a wide class of polymeric materials [ 1 , 2 ]. In recent years, the market for polymeric materials has shown strong, sustained growth and provided an opportunity for the integration of new bio-based feedstock for improved sustainability [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Agricultural waste has the potential to be utilized as renewable, bio-based fillers in the synthesis of PUR composites [ 10 ].…”