Influence of lignin's pH on polyurethane flexible foam formation and how to control it

Low pH of commercial lignins has a catastrophic impact on the polyurethane foaming reactions. Experiments were performed with 10 wt% of lignin with various pHs in polyols. Virgin lignin (pH 2.5, 35% moisture) has the most negative impact as it reduces the initial foam rising rate by 85% and the foam's final height by 35% as compared to the reference foam, lignin free. Drying of this lignin at 80 degrees C for 12 h can reduce this impact while alkaline treatment to bring the lignin's pH to 6.6 almost cancel it. As revealed by in situ dielectric constant measurements, both reactions, gelling via polymerization and blowing via CO2 degassing, are impacted. In situ Fourier transform infrared analysis of the foaming process demonstrated that blowing reaction is the most pH sensitive. Two methods to counter the pH influence by pH modification were tested and provide interesting results but also significant drawbacks limiting their applicability.

Automated summary

Low pH of commercial lignins has a catastrophic impact on polyurethane foaming reactions, but drying and alkaline treatment can mitigate this effect. The pH of lignin affects both polymerization gelling and blowing reactions, with blowing reaction being more pH sensitive.