(240c) Effects of Lignin Properties on the Performance of Lignin-Based Polyurethane Foam for Eco-Friendly Thermal Insulation

Polyurethane (PU) is widely used as thermal insulation in various applications due to its low thermal conductivity, density, and cost-effectiveness. However, their production heavily depends on petroleum-based products like polyethylene glycol (PEG), which has negative environmental impacts and poses potential health risks. Lignin, a bio-based resource, is a highly promising candidate for use as polyols in polyurethane production, owing to its high content of hydroxyl groups and aromatic structures that can be easily converted into polyols. Even though lignin has great potential to be used as a component for polyurethane foam production, its limited reactivity and poor dispersibility require further modification to improve its performance. In this study, low-molecular and high-molecular weight lignins were fractionated from bulk lignin extracted by co-solvent enhanced lignocellulosic fractionation (CELF) pretreatment from poplar, corn stover, and pine. The lignin-PU foams were produced with each lignin fraction, and their physical and thermal properties were evaluated to determine the optimal conditions with suitable properties as insulation materials.