Thermal and mechanical properties of polyurethane-based geocomposites derived from lignin and molasses

Polyurethane (PU) geocomposites were derived from two kinds of lignin, Kraft lignin and lignosulfonate and molasses. When polyols containing the above lignins or molasses and isocyanate solution were injected into sand, and crosslinking and foaming reactions occurred. Mechanical and thermal properties of the obtained geocomposites were investigated by compression tests and thermogravirnetry. The compression strength and modulus of geocomposites were found to be in optimum range where practical application is possible. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.