Biobased polyurethane foams modified with natural fillers

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.