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Development of Bio-Based Composite Foams
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Development of Bio-Based Composite Foams

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Porous Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2021) | Viewed by 17271

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Krzysztof Strzelec

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Polymer & Dye Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Lodz, Poland
Interests: functional polymer materials; modification of polymers; polymer composites; self-repairing polymers; polymer foams
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear colleagues,

Polymer foams are attracting increasing attention for their potential in a wide variety of applications, for example, where ultralow density and high surface area, as well as thermal insulation, gas adsorption, energy storage, and selective liquid absorption for environmental remediation or biofuel purification, are required. Today, the market is dominated by foams produced from synthetic, non-renewable polymers, which, due to the well-documented practice of replacing conventional raw materials that cause global warming, deplete the ozone layer, and reduce oil feedstock, raises serious concerns for the sustainable and ecological development of our society. Therefore, owing to environmental concerns, the conversion of waste to value-added materials is a subject of growing popularity. The use of bio-based raw materials and functionalized, reinforced bio-fillers may improve the mechanical and physical properties of composite foams and increase their biodegradability. Owing to these beneficial effects, the use of bio-based materials for the production of environmentally friendly composite foams will promote new application paths for the conversion of agricultural waste into useful resources for creating a new class of green materials. Bio-based composite foams may offer solutions based on the main challenges of our times—the use of renewable raw materials, the economy, the preservation of resources, and the minimization of waste output.

This present Special Issue “Development of Bio-Based Composite Foams” considers recent research on advanced polymeric foam composites based on renewable agricultural resources to produce both the foam matrix and the reinforcement phase. Of special interest is research focused on new formulations and technologies that aim to produce improved cellular materials, as well as those related to the analysis of foaming mechanisms that use different conventional and non-conventional experimental techniques.

It is my pleasure to invite you to submit a manuscript to this Special Issue. Full papers, communications, and reviews are all welcome.

Prof. Dr. Krzysztof Strzelec
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • porous composite materials based on renewable raw materials
  • foaming mechanisms
  • structure–properties relationship
  • foam rheology
  • cellular structure
  • biodegradable and sustainable polymeric foam composites
  • application of bio-based cellular materials
  • foam synthesis
  • bio-based foams processing techniques
  • polymer matrices for bio-based foam composites
  • modifications of bio-fillers

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 3783 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Performance of Bio-Based Rigid Polyurethane Foam with High Amounts of Sunflower Press Cake Particles
by Agnė Kairytė, Sylwia Członka, Renata Boris and Sigitas Vėjelis
Materials 2021, 14(19), 5475; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14195475 - 22 Sep 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1755
Abstract
In the current study, rigid polyurethane foam (PUR) was modified with 10–30 wt.% sunflower press cake (SFP) filler, and its effect on performance characteristics—i.e., rheology, characteristic foaming times, apparent density, thermal conductivity, compressive strength parallel and perpendicular to the foaming directions, tensile strength, [...] Read more.
In the current study, rigid polyurethane foam (PUR) was modified with 10–30 wt.% sunflower press cake (SFP) filler, and its effect on performance characteristics—i.e., rheology, characteristic foaming times, apparent density, thermal conductivity, compressive strength parallel and perpendicular to the foaming directions, tensile strength, and short-term water absorption by partial immersion—was evaluated. Microstructural and statistical analyses were implemented as well. During the study, it was determined that 10–20 wt.% SFP filler showed the greatest positive impact. For instance, the thermal conductivity value improved by 9% and 17%, respectively, while mechanical performance, i.e., compressive strength, increased by 11% and 28% in the perpendicular direction and by 43% and 67% in the parallel direction. Moreover, tensile strength showed 49% and 61% increments, respectively, at 10 wt.% and 20 wt.% SFP filler. Most importantly, SFP filler-modified PUR foams were characterised by two times lower water absorption values and improved microstructures with a reduced average cell size and increased content in closed cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Bio-Based Composite Foams)
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17 pages, 7084 KiB  
Article
Polyurethane Composite Foams Synthesized Using Bio-Polyols and Cellulose Filler
by Katarzyna Uram, Milena Leszczyńska, Aleksander Prociak, Anna Czajka, Michał Gloc, Michał K. Leszczyński, Sławomir Michałowski and Joanna Ryszkowska
Materials 2021, 14(13), 3474; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14133474 - 22 Jun 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2008
Abstract
Rigid polyurethane foams were obtained using two types of renewable raw materials: bio-polyols and a cellulose filler (ARBOCEL® P 4000 X, JRS Rettenmaier, Rosenberg, Germany). A polyurethane system containing 40 wt.% of rapeseed oil-based polyols was modified with the cellulose filler in [...] Read more.
Rigid polyurethane foams were obtained using two types of renewable raw materials: bio-polyols and a cellulose filler (ARBOCEL® P 4000 X, JRS Rettenmaier, Rosenberg, Germany). A polyurethane system containing 40 wt.% of rapeseed oil-based polyols was modified with the cellulose filler in amounts of 1, 2, and 3 php (per hundred polyols). The cellulose was incorporated into the polyol premix as filler dispersion in a petrochemical polyol made using calenders. The cellulose filler was examined in terms of the degree of crystallinity using the powder X-ray diffraction PXRD -and the presence of bonds by means of the fourier transform infrared spectroscopy FT-IR. It was found that the addition of the cellulose filler increased the number of cells in the foams in both cross-sections—parallel and perpendicular to the direction of the foam growth—while reducing the sizes of those cells. Additionally, the foams had closed cell contents of more than 90% and initial thermal conductivity coefficients of 24.8 mW/m∙K. The insulation materials were dimensionally stable, especially at temperatures close to 0 °C, which qualifies them for use as insulation at low temperatures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Bio-Based Composite Foams)
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27 pages, 5611 KiB  
Article
Effects of Various Types of Expandable Graphite and Blackcurrant Pomace on the Properties of Viscoelastic Polyurethane Foams
by Rafał Oliwa, Joanna Ryszkowska, Mariusz Oleksy, Monika Auguścik-Królikowska, Małgorzata Gzik, Joanna Bartoń and Grzegorz Budzik
Materials 2021, 14(7), 1801; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14071801 - 06 Apr 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2261
Abstract
We investigated the effect of the type and amount of expandable graphite (EG) and blackcurrant pomace (BCP) on the flammability, thermal stability, mechanical properties, physical, and chemical structure of viscoelastic polyurethane foams (VEF). For this purpose, the polyurethane foams containing EG, BCP, and [...] Read more.
We investigated the effect of the type and amount of expandable graphite (EG) and blackcurrant pomace (BCP) on the flammability, thermal stability, mechanical properties, physical, and chemical structure of viscoelastic polyurethane foams (VEF). For this purpose, the polyurethane foams containing EG, BCP, and EG with BCP were obtained. The content of EG varied in the range of 3–15 per hundred polyols (php), while the BCP content was 30 php. Based on the obtained results, it was found that the additional introduction of BCPs into EG-containing composites allows for an additive effect in improving the functional properties of viscoelastic polyurethane foams. As a result, the composite containing 30 php of BCP and 15 php of EG with the largest particle size and expanded volume shows the largest change in the studied parameters (hardness (H) = 2.65 kPa (+16.2%), limiting oxygen index (LOI) = 26% (+44.4%), and peak heat release rate (pHRR) = 15.5 kW/m2 (−87.4%)). In addition, this composite was characterized by the highest char yield (m600 = 17.9% (+44.1%)). In turn, the change in mechanical properties is related to a change in the physical and chemical structure of the foams as indicated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Bio-Based Composite Foams)
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22 pages, 1279 KiB  
Article
Vegetable Fillers and Rapeseed Oil-Based Polyol as Natural Raw Materials for the Production of Rigid Polyurethane Foams
by Milena Leszczyńska, Elżbieta Malewska, Joanna Ryszkowska, Maria Kurańska, Michał Gloc, Michał K. Leszczyński and Aleksander Prociak
Materials 2021, 14(7), 1772; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14071772 - 03 Apr 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 2816
Abstract
The reported study concerns the introduction of renewable raw materials into the formulation of rigid polyurethane foams in the quest for the sustainable development of polymer composites. In this study, rigid polyurethane foam composites were prepared using 75 wt.% of rapeseed oil-based polyol [...] Read more.
The reported study concerns the introduction of renewable raw materials into the formulation of rigid polyurethane foams in the quest for the sustainable development of polymer composites. In this study, rigid polyurethane foam composites were prepared using 75 wt.% of rapeseed oil-based polyol and 15 parts per hundred parts of polyol (php) of natural fillers such as chokeberry pomace, raspberry seeds, as well as hazelnut and walnut shells. The influence of the used raw materials on the foaming process, structure, and properties of foams was investigated using a FOAMAT analyzer and a wide selection of characterization techniques. The introduction of renewable raw materials limited reactivity of the system, which reduced maximum temperature of the foaming process. Moreover, foams prepared using renewable raw materials were characterized by a more regular cell structure, a higher share of closed cells, lower apparent density, lower compressive strength and glass transition temperature, low friability (<2%), low water absorption (<1%), high dimensional stability (<±0.5%) and increased thermal stability. The proper selection and preparation of the renewable raw materials and the rational development of the polyurethane recipe composition allow for the preparation of environmentally-friendly foam products with beneficial application properties considering the demands of the circular economy in the synthesis of rigid foams. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Bio-Based Composite Foams)
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13 pages, 2946 KiB  
Article
Effects of Physical and Chemical Modification of Sunflower Cake on Polyurethane Composite Foam Properties
by Anna Strąkowska, Sylwia Członka, Agnė Kairytė and Krzysztof Strzelec
Materials 2021, 14(6), 1414; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14061414 - 15 Mar 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2058
Abstract
Sunflower cake (SC), which is waste during the production of sunflower oil, was selected as a modifier of properties in polyurethane (PUR) foams. The SC was chemically modified with triphenylsilanol (SC_S) and physically modified with rapeseed oil (SC_O). The influence of SC on [...] Read more.
Sunflower cake (SC), which is waste during the production of sunflower oil, was selected as a modifier of properties in polyurethane (PUR) foams. The SC was chemically modified with triphenylsilanol (SC_S) and physically modified with rapeseed oil (SC_O). The influence of SC on the rheological properties of the polyol and the kinetics of foam growth were investigated. PUR foams were characterized by morphological, mechanical, and thermal analysis. The results show that the physical and chemical modification of SC contributes to the changes in the properties of the foams in different ways. Too high hydrophobicity of SC_O affects the structure deterioration, and thus the mechanical properties, and in turn, reduces the affinity for water. In turn, chemical modification with silane allows for obtaining foams with the best mechanical properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Bio-Based Composite Foams)
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22 pages, 6407 KiB  
Article
Composites of Open-Cell Viscoelastic Foams with Blackcurrant Pomace
by Monika Auguścik-Królikowska, Joanna Ryszkowska, Maria Kurańska, Marta Wantulok, Michał Gloc, Leonard Szczepkowski, Katarzyna Dąbkowska-Susfał and Aleksander Prociak
Materials 2021, 14(4), 934; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14040934 - 16 Feb 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1964
Abstract
Taking into account the circular economy guidelines and results of life cycle analyses of various materials, it was proposed to use a blackcurrant pomace filler in the production process of viscoelastic polyurethane (PUR) foams intended for application as mattresses, pillows, or elements for [...] Read more.
Taking into account the circular economy guidelines and results of life cycle analyses of various materials, it was proposed to use a blackcurrant pomace filler in the production process of viscoelastic polyurethane (PUR) foams intended for application as mattresses, pillows, or elements for orthopedics. Open-cell viscoelastic PUR foams containing 10–60 per hundred polyols (php) blackcurrant pomace were prepared. It was found that after introducing the filler to the PUR foam formulation, the speed of the first stage of the foaming process significantly decreases, the maximum temperature achieved during the synthesis drops (by 30 °C for the foam containing 40 php of filler compared to unfilled foam), and the maximum pressure achieved during the synthesis of foam containing 20 php is reduced by approximately 57% compared to the foam without filler. The growth time of the foams increases with increasing the amount of introduced filler; for the foam containing 60 php, the time is extended even by about 24%. The effect of the filler on the physical, morphological, mechanical, and functional performances of PUR foam composites has been analyzed. The use of 60 php as the filler reduced the hardness of the foams by approximately 30% and increased their comfort factor from 3 to 5. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Bio-Based Composite Foams)
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22 pages, 20425 KiB  
Article
Effects of Chemically Treated Eucalyptus Fibers on Mechanical, Thermal and Insulating Properties of Polyurethane Composite Foams
by Sylwia Członka, Anna Strąkowska, Piotr Pospiech and Krzysztof Strzelec
Materials 2020, 13(7), 1781; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13071781 - 10 Apr 2020
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 3548
Abstract
In this work, rigid polyurethane (PUR) foams were prepared by incorporating 2 wt% of eucalyptus fibers. The eucalyptus fibers were surface-modified by maleic anhydride, alkali, and silane (triphenylsilanol) treatment. The impact of the modified eucalyptus fibers on the mechanical, thermal, and fire performances [...] Read more.
In this work, rigid polyurethane (PUR) foams were prepared by incorporating 2 wt% of eucalyptus fibers. The eucalyptus fibers were surface-modified by maleic anhydride, alkali, and silane (triphenylsilanol) treatment. The impact of the modified eucalyptus fibers on the mechanical, thermal, and fire performances of polyurethane foams was analyzed. It was observed that the addition of eucalyptus fibers showed improved mechanical and thermal properties and the best properties were shown by silane-treated fibers with a compressive strength of 312 kPa and a flexural strength of 432 kPa. Moreover, the thermal stability values showed the lowest decline for polyurethane foams modified with the silane-treated fibers, due to the better thermal stability of such modified fibers. Furthermore, the flame resistance of polyurethane foams modified with the silane-treated fibers was also the best among the studied composites. A cone calorimetry test showed a decrease in the peak of heat release from 245 to 110 kW∙m−2 by the incorporation of silane-treated fibers. Furthermore, total heat release and total smoke release were also found to decrease remarkably upon the incorporation of silane-treated fibers. The value of limiting oxygen index was increased from 20.2% to 22.1%. Char residue was also found to be increased from 24.4% to 28.3%. It can be concluded that the application of chemically modified eucalyptus fibers has great potential as an additive to incorporate good mechanical, thermal, and fire properties in rigid polyurethane foams. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Bio-Based Composite Foams)
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