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Flexible Polyurethane Foams Modified with Novel Coconut Monoglycerides-Based Polyester Polyols.
Christine Joy M Omisol1, Blessy Joy M Aguinid1, Gerson Y Abilay2
1Center for Sustainable Polymers, MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City 9200, Philippines.
ACS Omega
|February 5, 2024
Summary
This study introduces a novel method to produce high-molecular-weight polyols from coconut monoglycerides for flexible polyurethane foam (FPUF) production. These sustainable polyols enhance foam properties, offering a viable alternative to petroleum-based materials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Sustainable Chemistry
Background:
- Coconut oil, a low-molecular-weight vegetable oil, is underutilized in flexible polyurethane foam (FPUF) production due to FPUF's high-molecular-weight polyol requirement.
- Its saturated chemistry limits compatibility with conventional polyol-forming processes that rely on unsaturated oils.
- Previous research focused on low-molecular-weight polyols for rigid foams.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize high-molecular-weight polyester polyols from coconut monoglycerides (CMG).
- To investigate the use of these CMG-based polyols (CMGPOL) in modifying polyurethane foams (PUF).
- To evaluate the impact of CMGPOL modification on the structural, morphological, and mechanical properties of PUFs.
Main Methods:
- High-molecular-weight polyester polyols synthesized via polycondensation of CMG with glycerol and phthalic anhydride.
- Characterization of polyols using techniques to determine molecular weight, OH number, functionality, acid number, and viscosity.
- Synthesis of CMGPOL-modified PU foams (CPFs) at 20 wt % loading.
- Analysis of foam structure, morphology, and properties using FTIR, AFM, DSC, SEM, and gas pycnometry.
Main Results:
- Synthesized CMGPOL products with number-average molecular weights ranging from 1997 to 4275 g/mol.
- Modification increased urea groups, promoting microphase separation in the foam matrix.
- CPFs showed decreased density, improved tensile and compressive properties, and varied resiliency correlated with microphase separation.
Conclusions:
- Coconut monoglycerides can be effectively converted into high-molecular-weight polyols for flexible foam applications.
- CMGPOL modification enhances the mechanical properties and tailors the performance of polyurethane foams.
- This research presents a sustainable polyol source for modifying petroleum-based foams and producing advanced flexible foams.
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