Synthesis and evaluation of soyhull derived rigid polyurethane foams

The worldwide consumption of Polyurethane rigid foam for construction has shown tremendous growth over the last few decades. Ever since the discovery of Polyurethanes in 1937 by Otto Bayer, the Polyurethane foam industry has undergone several changes to meet the requirements that can accomplish specific functions and can withstand varied conditions as dictated by the needs of the industry. To cope with new challenges of a technical, ecological and economic nature it is important to invent materials which not only possess desired mechanical properties but are also more eco- friendly and economical. Towards this end a study was undertaken to develop new soyhull based rigid foam formulations. Soyhulls are a low-value byproduct of soybean processing, with cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin as the principal constituents. A partial hydrolysis of soyhulls was carried out prior to their use in the water blown polyurethane foam formulations. Partial hydrolysis of soyhulls resulted in an increase in the number of hydroxyl and the primary amine groups that can interact with the isocyanates and act as reinforcing fillers. These interactions yielded foams with enhanced mechanical properties at lower costs. --Abstract, page iii