Influence of rice straw-based polyols on the morphology, thermal and spectral properties of polyurethane foams

Abstract

The influence of utilizing rice straw-based polyols on the morphology, thermal and spectral
properties of polyurethane foam is reported. Utilization of rice straw as raw material was done
through liquefaction process using ethylene glycol as solvent. It was found out that 30%
replacement of rice straw-based polyols produced closed cell structures suitable for insulation
material as revealed in Scanning electron microscope images. Higher percentage of rice
straw-based polyols replacement will trigger cell wall structure rapturing that will deteriorate
the properties of polyurethane foam. Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the complete reaction of the hydroxyl and isocyanate groups takes place suggesting that high quality polyurethane foam was formed. Moreover, thermo-gravimetric analysis revealed that hard and soft segments degradation for the 30% rice straw-based polyols replacement is comparable with that of the petroleum-based polyols suggesting that bio-based polyols is a good alternative for the formation of polyurethane foams.

Keywords: Polyurethane; Bio-based polyol; Rice straw; Lignocellulosic biomass