Open-cell rigid polyurethane bio-foams based on modified used cooking oil

Maria Kurańska , Krzysztof Polaczek , Monika Auguścik , Aleksander Prociak , Joanna Ryszkowska

Abstract

In the present work, we report on rigid polyurethane foams based on modified used cooking oil. The bio-polyols with different hydroxyl values and viscosities as well as number average molecular weights from municipal waste were obtained by epoxidation and ring-opening reaction with diethylene glycol. The bio-polyols were used to prepare open-cell polyurethane foams for applications in construction industry. It was noticed that the structures of the bio-polyols do not have a significant effect on the reactivity of the resultant polyurethane systems. The apparent densities of the final foams were comparable and in the range of 12–17 kg/m³. Beneficial effects of both the bio-polyols on the cellular structures as well as on the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of the modified foams were observed, especially when a petrochemical polyol was replaced with 40–60 wt% of the bio-polyols.