This article raised the issue of studies on the use of new bio-polyol based on white mustard seed oil and 2,2’-thiodiethanol (3-thiapentane-1,5-diol) for the synthesis of rigid polyurethane/polyisocyanurate (RPU/PIR) foams. For this purpose, new formulations of polyurethane materials were prepared. Formulations contained bio-polyol content from 0 to 0.4 chemical equivalents of hydroxyl groups. An industrial flame retardant, tri(2-chloro-1-methylethyl) phosphate (Antiblaze TCMP), was added to half of the formulations. Basic foaming process parameters and functional properties, such as apparent density, compressive strength, brittleness, absorbability and water absorption, aging resistance, thermal conductivity coefficient λ, structure of materials, and flammability were examined. The susceptibility of the foams to biodegradation in soil was also examined. The increase in the bio-polyol content caused a slight increase in processing times. Also, it was noted that the use of bio-polyol had a positive effect on the functional properties of obtained RPU/PIR foams. Foams modified by bio-polyol based on mustard seed oil showed lower apparent density, brittleness, compressive strength, and absorbability and water absorption, as well as thermal conductivity, compared to the reference (unmodified) foams. Furthermore, the obtained materials were more resistant to aging and more susceptible to biodegradation.

This article presents the results of research on obtaining new polyurethane materials modified by a by-product from vegetable oils industry—rapeseed cake. The chemical composition of rapeseed cake was examined. Rigid polyurethane-polyisocyanurate (RPU/PIR) foams containing a milled rapeseed cake in their composition were obtained as part of the conducted research. Biofiller was added in amount of 30 wt.% up to 60 wt.%. Effects of rapeseed cake on the foaming process, cell structure and selected properties of foams, such as apparent density, compressive strength, brittleness, flammability, absorbability, water absorption, thermal resistance and thermal conductivity are described. The foaming process of RPU/PIR foams modified by rapeseed cake was characterized by a lower reactivity, lower foaming temperature and decrease in dielectric polarization. This resulted in a slowed formation of the polyurethane matrix. Apparent density of RPU/PIR foams with biofiller was higher than in unmodified foam. Addition of rapeseed cake did not have a significant influence on the thermal conductivity of obtained materials. However, we observed a tendency for opening the cells of modified foams and obtaining a smaller cross-sectional area of cells. This led to an increase of absorbability and water absorption of obtained materials. However, an advantageous effect of using rapeseed cake in polyurethane formulations was noted. Modified RPU/PIR foams had higher compressive strength, lower brittleness and lower flammability than reference foam.

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The article presents the results of research on the synthesis of a new biopolyol based on evening primrose oil, and its use in the production of rigid polyurethane–polyisocyanurate foams intended for thermal insulation. The obtained biopolyol was subjected to analytical, physicochemical, and spectroscopic tests (Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), 1H NMR, 13C NMR) to confirm its suitability for the synthesis of polyurethane materials. Then, it was used for the partial replacement of the petrochemical polyol in the polyurethane formulation. Obtained rigid polyurethane–polyisocyanurate foams are characterized by a lower apparent density, brittleness, water absorption, and thermal conductivity coefficient λ. In addition, foams modified by biopolyols had a higher content of closed cells and higher aging resistance. The results of the conducted research showed that the use of the biopolyol based on evening primrose oil may be an alternative to petrochemical polyols. The research presented herein is perfectly consistent with the trends of sustainable development and the philosophy of green chemistry.

Four types of rigid polyurethane-polyisocyanurate foams (RPU/PIR) were obtained. Three of them were modified by powder fillers, such as cinnamon extract (C10 foam), green coffe extract (KZ10), and cocoa extract (EK10) in an amount of 10 wt %. The last foam was obtained without a filler (W foam). The basic properties and thermal properties of obtained foams were examined. All foams were subjected to degradation in the climatic chamber acting on samples of foams in a defined temperature, humidity, and UV radiation for 7, 14, and 21 days. The physico-mechanical properties of foams were tested. The compressive strength of degraded foams after 7, 14, and 21 days was compared with the compressive strength of nondegraded foams (0 days). The chosen properties of degraded foams, such as cellular structure by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and changes of chemical structure by FTIR spectroscopy were compared. The obtained foams were also subjected to degradation in a circulating air dryer in an increased temperature (120 °C) for 48 h. Additionally, W, C10, ZK10, EK10 foams were placed in a soil environment and subjected to 28 days biodegradation process. The biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), the theoretical oxygen demand (TOD), and the degree of biodegradation (Dt) of foams were determined in this measurment. Test results showed that the compressive strength of foams decreased with the longer time of foam degradation in the conditioner. The foam subjected to degradation darkened and became more red and yellow in color. The addition of natural compounds of plant origin to foams increased their susceptibility to biodegradation.

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The article presents the results of research on the synthesis of a new eco-polyol based on polylactide (PLA) waste and its use for the production of rigid polyurethane-polyisocyanurate (RPU/PIR) foams. The obtained recycling-based polyol was subjected to analytical, physicochemical and spectroscopic tests (FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR) to confirm its suitability for the synthesis of polyurethane materials. Then, it was used to partially replace petrochemical polyol in polyurethane formulation. The obtained RPU/PIR foams were characterized by lower apparent density, brittleness, and water absorption. In addition, foams modified by eco-polyol had higher flame retardancy, as compared to reference foam. The results of the research show that the use of PLA polyol based on plastic waste may be an alternative to petrochemical polyols. This research matches with the current trends of sustainable development and green chemistry.

The article concerns the use of glycerolysis reaction as an alternative method of processing post-production and post-consumer waste from poly(lactic acid) (PLA). Management of waste is a very important issue from an environmental protection and economic point of view. Extending the “life cycle” of PLA is extremely important because it allows to make the most of this material. It also limits economic losses resulting from its disposal in the biodegradation process at the same time. This paper presents a method of glycerolysis of poly(lactic acid) waste using various amounts of anhydrous glycerol (mass ratio from 0.3 to 0.5 parts by weight of glycerol per 1.0 part by weight of PLA). This process was also carried out for pure, unmodified PLA Ingeo® (from NatureWorks) to compare the obtained results. The six liquid oligomeric polyhydric alcohols were obtained as a result of the synthesis. Then, they were subjected to physicochemical tests such as determination of color, smell, density, viscosity, and pH. In addition, the obtained raw materials were subjected to analytical tests such as determination of the hydroxyl value, acid value, water content, and elemental composition. The average molecular weights and dispersity were also tested by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The assumed chemical structure of the obtained compounds was confirmed by spectroscopic methods such as FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR. Glycerolysis products were also subjected to differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to determine thermal parameters. The obtained research results have allowed the precise characterization of newly obtained products and determination of their suitability, e.g., for the synthesis of polyurethane (PUR) materials.