New Poly(lactide-urethane-isocyanurate) Foams Based on Bio-Polylactide Waste

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Sustainable Chemistry

Background:

• Petrochemical polyols are widely used in rigid polyurethane-polyisocyanurate (RPU/PIR) foam production.
• Plastic waste, particularly polylactide (PLA), poses significant environmental challenges.
• There is a growing demand for sustainable alternatives in the chemical industry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize a novel eco-polyol from PLA plastic waste.
• To evaluate the performance of RPU/PIR foams produced using this eco-polyol.
• To assess the potential of PLA-based polyols as sustainable replacements for petrochemical polyols.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of eco-polyol from PLA waste.
• Characterization of the eco-polyol using FTIR, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy.
• Formulation and production of RPU/PIR foams with partial replacement of petrochemical polyol.
• Testing of RPU/PIR foam properties including density, brittleness, water absorption, and flame retardancy.

Main Results:

• A novel eco-polyol was successfully synthesized from PLA waste.
• The eco-polyol was confirmed to be suitable for polyurethane synthesis via spectroscopic and analytical methods.
• RPU/PIR foams incorporating the eco-polyol exhibited reduced apparent density, brittleness, and water absorption.
• Foams modified with eco-polyol demonstrated enhanced flame retardancy compared to reference foams.

Conclusions:

• PLA-based eco-polyol is a viable alternative to petrochemical polyols for RPU/PIR foam production.
• The use of PLA waste contributes to sustainable development and green chemistry principles.
• This research offers a promising pathway for plastic waste valorization in the polymer industry.