Three-Dimensional Characterization of Polyurethane Foams Based on Biopolyols

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Biopolyol-based foams offer sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based foams.
• Characterizing the mechanical behavior and microstructure of these novel foams is crucial for their application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To produce and characterize biopolyol-based foams from banana leaves (BL) and stems (BS).
• To investigate the compression mechanical behavior and 3D microstructure of these foams.
• To develop and validate a methodology for analyzing foam microstructure during compression.

Main Methods:

• Production of biopolyol-based foams from banana leaves and stems.
• In situ compression testing combined with X-ray microtomography for 3D image acquisition.
• Development of image processing and analysis techniques to quantify cell characteristics (number, volume, shape) during compression.

Main Results:

• Both BL and BS foams exhibited similar compression behaviors.
• Banana stem (BS) foam had an average cell volume five times larger than banana leaf (BL) foam.
• Cellular structure analysis showed an increase in cell number and a decrease in average cell volume with compression, with elongated cell shapes.

Conclusions:

• The developed methodology enables detailed analysis of biopolyol-based foam microstructures under compression.
• The findings suggest cell collapse as a key factor influencing foam behavior.
• These banana-derived foams show potential as eco-friendly alternatives to conventional petroleum-based foams.