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Bio-Based Polyurethane Foams from Kraft Lignin with Improved Fire Resistance

Authors :
Fernanda R. Vieira
Nuno V. Gama
Dmitry V. Evtuguin
Carlos O. Amorim
Vitor S. Amaral
Paula C. O. R. Pinto
Ana Barros-Timmons
Source :
Polymers, Vol 15, Iss 5, p 1074 (2023)
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2023.

Abstract

Rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs) were synthesized using exclusively lignin-based polyol (LBP) obtained via the oxyalkylation of kraft lignin with propylene carbonate (PC). Using the design of experiments methodology combined with statistical analysis, the formulations were optimized to obtain a bio-based RPUF with low thermal conductivity and low apparent density to be used as a lightweight insulating material. The thermo-mechanical properties of the ensuing foams were compared with those of a commercial RPUF and a RPUF (RPUF-conv) produced using a conventional polyol. The bio-based RPUF obtained using the optimized formulation exhibited low thermal conductivity (0.0289 W/m·K), low density (33.2 kg/m3), and reasonable cell morphology. Although the bio-based RPUF has slightly lower thermo-oxidative stability and mechanical properties than RPUF-conv, it is still suitable for thermal insulation applications. In addition, the fire resistance of this bio-based foam has been improved, with its average heat release rate (HRR) reduced by 18.5% and its burn time extended by 25% compared to RPUF-conv. Overall, this bio-based RPUF has shown potential to replace petroleum-based RPUF as an insulating material. This is the first report regarding the use of 100% unpurified LBP obtained via the oxyalkylation of LignoBoost kraft lignin in the production of RPUFs.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20734360
Volume :
15
Issue :
5
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Polymers
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.9b3217416690450aba09783cf777c4b1
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15051074