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Published on: May 22, 2014
Synthesis, Characterization and Mechanical Properties of Novel Bio-Based Polyurethane Foams Using Cellulose-Derived
Loredana Maiuolo1, Fabrizio Olivito1, Vincenzo Algieri1
1Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy.
Abstract:
A novel series of bio-based polyurethane composite foams was prepared, employing a cellulose-derived polyol for chain extension and cellulose-citrate as a thickener additive. The utilized polyol was obtained from the reduction reaction of cellulose-derived bio-oil through the use of sodium borohydride and iodine. Primarily, we produced both rigid and flexible polyurethane foams through chain extension of the prepolymers. Secondly, we investigated the role of cellulose citrate as a polyurethane additive to improve the mechanical properties of the realized composite materials. The products were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy and their morphologies were analysed by SEM. Mechanical tests were evaluated to open new perspectives towards different applications.
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