Modified raw cellulose filaments material as polyol substitute in rigid insulating polyurethane foam

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Sustainable Materials

Background:

• Current building insulation research focuses on polyurethane foam and biobased alternatives, particularly polyols.
• Polyols are key components in polyurethane foam production, influencing foam properties and performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the use of modified cellulose filaments (CFs) as a biobased polyol in polyurethane foam.
• To evaluate the impact of CF-based polyols on foam formation, morphology, thermal conductivity, and mechanical properties.

Main Methods:

• Two etherification methods were used to modify cellulose filaments, creating reactive ether functions.
• Characterization of polyols and resulting polyurethane foams, including kinetics, morphology, density, thermal conductivity, and mechanical compression tests.

Main Results:

• Modified CFs reduced foam reactivity, impacting cell size and opening, leading to non-compliance with Canadian standards.
• Mechanical properties deteriorated, with reduced stiffness and yield strength.
• Foams with 70% CF substitution exhibited notable thermal conductivity (0.041 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹).

Conclusions:

• Modified cellulose filaments show potential as biobased polyols for polyurethane foam, particularly for thermal insulation.
• Further research is needed to optimize CF modification and processing to meet mechanical and structural standards for building applications.