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Lignin as a Partial Polyol Replacement in Polyurethane Flexible Foam.

Akash Gondaliya1, Mojgan Nejad1,2

  • 1Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.

Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 30, 2021
PubMed
Summary

This study shows that incorporating lignin, a natural polymer, into polyurethane (PU) flexible foams enhances mechanical and thermal properties. Lignins with specific characteristics are ideal for replacing petroleum-based polyols in automotive applications.

Keywords:
biobasedligninpolyurethane (PU), flexible foam

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Area of Science:

  • Polymer Science
  • Materials Science
  • Biomaterials

Background:

  • Polyurethane (PU) foams are widely used but rely on petroleum-based polyols.
  • Lignin, a natural polymer from plant sources, presents a potential sustainable alternative.
  • Evaluating lignin's suitability requires understanding its impact on foam properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the effectiveness of various lignins as partial replacements (20 wt.%) for petroleum-based polyols in flexible PU foams.
  • To investigate the influence of unmodified lignin on the structural, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of PU foams.
  • To identify correlations between lignin properties and the performance of the resulting lignin-based PU foams.

Main Methods:

  • Characterization of commercial lignins using phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance (31P NMR) for hydroxyl content, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) for molar mass, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for thermal properties.
  • Formulation of flexible PU foams with 20 wt.% lignin substitution for petroleum-based polyol.
  • Evaluation of foam properties including tensile, compression, tear propagation strengths, thermal stability, and support factor.

Main Results:

  • Incorporating 20 wt.% lignin significantly improved tensile, compression, and tear propagation strengths.
  • Lignin addition enhanced the thermal stability and support factor of the PU flexible foams.
  • Foam density and compression force deflection showed a positive correlation with the total hydroxyl content of the lignin.

Conclusions:

  • Lignin incorporation generally enhances the properties of PU flexible foams.
  • Lignins with low hydroxyl content, high flexibility (low glass transition temperature, Tg), and good solubility in co-polyols are optimal for partial substitution.
  • These findings support the use of specific lignins as sustainable replacements for petroleum-based polyols in automotive PU foam applications.