Cork Porous Biocomposites with Polyurethane Matrix Modified with Polyol Based on Used Cooking Oil

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Sustainable Chemistry
• Polymer Engineering

Background:

• Petrochemicals dominate many industries, leading to resource depletion and waste.
• Renewable materials offer sustainable alternatives, reducing environmental impact.
• Developing bio-based composites is crucial for a circular economy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel porous polyurethane biocomposites.
• To investigate the feasibility of replacing petrochemical components with renewable materials.
• To evaluate the performance of these biocomposites for potential industrial applications.

Main Methods:

• Polyurethane synthesis using waste cooking oil polyol and cork bio-filler.
• Analysis of apparent density, thermal conductivity, and compressive strength.
• Assessment of water absorption, thermal stability, and permeability.
• Morphological examination via scanning electron microscopy.

Main Results:

• Successful incorporation of cork (3-12 php) into polyurethane matrix.
• Biocomposites exhibited comparable thermal insulation to reference materials.
• Properties like density, strength, and stability were evaluated.

Conclusions:

• Petrochemical raw materials can be effectively replaced by renewable alternatives.
• Waste cooking oil and cork biocomposites show promise for sustainable material applications.
• The developed biocomposites contribute to reducing waste and carbon footprint.