BIOPURFIL

Bio-based polyurethane composites with natural fillers

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The overall aim of this proposal is to create multinational partnership between European and South American research teams in order to exchange knowledge and experience concerning 'state of the-art'. Such solution will strengthen research cooperation and transfer of knowledge between partners from Poland (Cracow University of Technology), Latvia (Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry), Spain (University of the Basque Country), Argentina (National University of Mar Del Plata) and Brazil (Paraíba Federal University). Participants have different expertise areas to share the experience of preparing of bio-based composites. It allow to develop modern bio-composites, for which there is a growing demand in both continents. Short and longer-term periods of staff exchange between participants allow to more rapid advances in carrying out of investigations, as well as advancing current knowledge in the form of joint-author high citation index papers. The project consists of four stages: synthesis of bio-based polyols, preparing natural fillers, producing bio-polyurethane matrix composites reinforced natural fillers as well as tests and evaluation of final product. Each of partner brings added value to proposed stages and is needed in the implementation of the overall project.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Polyurethanes are ubiquitous, found in insulation, bedding, footwear and even biomedical devices. New bio-based polyurethanes, an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuel-based ones, promise important benefits for manufacturers and consumers alike.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Polyols are an important class of molecules in polymer chemistry, the building blocks for important compounds, including polyurethanes. Increasingly, natural oil polyols derived from vegetable oils are being modified for a bio-based alternative to fossil fuel-based polyurethanes.

A partnership between European and South American research teams is exploiting state-of-the-art technologies to benefit both continents. With EU support of the project 'Bio-based polyurethane composites with natural fillers' (BIOPURFIL), scientists are following a focused development plan to achieve their goals.

The team first synthesised bio-based polyols and prepared natural fillers. With the building blocks in place, the team produced bio-based composites consisting of polyurethane matrices reinforced with the natural fillers.

Within the first reporting period, the team synthesised a variety of natural rapeseed oil-based and tall oil-based polyols. Tall oils are resinous liquids created in large quantities as a by-product of manufacturing at wood pulp and paper mills. They also utilised castor, linseed and soybean oil-derived polyols. With commercially available microcellulose as the natural filler and glycerol as a reactive modifier to facilitate chemical reactions, the bio-based polyols were used to produce a variety of porous and rigid foams as well as non-foamed polyurethanes.

Scientists have carefully analysed the effects of the microcellulose and glycerol on the foam density as well as on physicochemical and mechanical properties. Morphology was analysed as well. Insight was gained into suitability for spraying, moulding and pouring systems.

During the upcoming months, researchers will continue to optimise formulations to deliver a range of bio-based composites that will benefit the economies of both Europe and South America. The products will also provide an important eco-friendly alternative to conventional fossil fuel-based polyurethanes.