Two biopolyols have been synthesized from rapeseed oil and applied to obtain rigid and flexible polyurethane foams. Biopolyols were prepared using a two-step method of epoxidation and opening of the oxirane rings. It was found that, regardless of the type of prepared foams, the addition of biopolyols to the polyurethane composition reduces its reactivity, which was confirmed by changes of the dielectric polarization, as well as the reduction of the maximum temperature in the foam core during the foaming process. In the case of the rigid polyurethane polyol, biomodification caused a decrease of the apparent density of the foams, but the foam involving biopolyol had a higher compressive strength. An increase of added ground walnut shells in rigid polyurethane foams also improved their mechanical properties. The introduction of a biopolyol based on rapeseed oil and ultra-fine cellulose to the polyurethane formulation resulted in high resilience flexible foams with improved comfort factor.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.