Synthesis and characterization of polyurethane rigid foam by using feedstocks received from renewable and recyclable resources

Abstract

The mimicry reactions used in the industrial field based on pure materials to obtain products is very important in order to achieve a circular economy and a green environment. This time around, the idea is that all raw materials are wastes. In addition to synthesizing biodiesel, this study aims to synthesize polyurethane rigid foams from recyclable materials such as liquid wastes and solid plastic wastes. The study follows preparation of a new class of biopolyols by reacting a mixture of crude glycerin-based polyol and epoxidized used cooking oil with polyethylene terephthalate, polyurethane, and bisphenol-polycarbonate wastes. Then, fabrication of polyurethane rigid foams by blending synthesized biopolyols with commercial polyol at ratios 20%, 40%, and 60% occurs. The properties of biopolyols and fabricated rigid foams was investigated by nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared spectrometer, thermal gravimetric analyzer, scanning electron microscope, and dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer. The results show that the biopolyols are valuable products for polyurethane manufactures. Moreover, the fabricated rigid foams show nonsignificant changes at the commercial and industrial level.