Polyols from recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) flakes and rapeseed oil for polyurethane foams

Bio/recycled polyols from rapeseed oil (RO) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) were prepared using a continuous, two-step synthesis method. The bio/recycled polyol properties were compared to RO and commercially available PET based polyols. Rigid polyurethane foams with a unified apparent density of 40-45 kg/m(3) were prepared from these polyols. The thermal conductivity, thermal properties, water absorption and mechanical properties of foams were tested. The results indicated that the RO/PET polyols can be successfully used for preparing polyurethane foams as energy efficient thermal insulation material.