Biobased Ultralow-Density Polyurethane Foams with Enhanced Recyclability
Olga Gotkiewicz, Miķelis Kirpļuks, Zuzana Walterová, Olga Kočková, Sabina Abbrent, Paulina Parcheta, Uģis Cābulis, Hynek Beneš
Abstract
High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Polyurethane (PUR) foams are widely used in many engineering applications, but their efficient recycling has remained a major challenge for many years. This study presents a novel strategy of incorporating hydrolyzable ester units into the PUR structure to enhance PUR foam recyclability. The present eco-design concept of PUR materials enables fully the replacement of petrochemical polyols with biobased alternatives and production of ultralow-density (16 kg·m –3 ) PUR foams. To reach this target, a series of low-function polyols based on succinic acid (SA) were first synthesized. Their subsequent use in combination with a high-functional biobased tall oil-derived polyol led to the production of highly homogenous semirigid, partly open-cell PUR foams with outstanding structural, thermal, and mechanical properties. Additionally, the study shows that the incorporation of SA-polyols with hydrolyzable ester linkages into the PUR foams significantly enhances their recyclability via glycolysis, proving their potential in contributing to a circular economy and addressing plastic waste concerns.