The Effect of Cellulose Fibers on the Formation of Petroleum-Based and Bio-Based Polyurethane Foams

Abstract

We report on the effect of cellulose fibers on the formation of petroleum-based and bio-based polyurethane foams. The fabricated polyurethane foams (PUF) were done by reacting isocyanate with petroleum-based polyol and epoxidized soybean oil (ESBO)-based polyols via hand mixing. The addition of cellulose fibers extracted from pineapple (Ananas comosus) leaf was done to enhance the properties of the fabricated PUF. Experimental results revealed that surface morphology of the fabricated polyurethane foams with addition of cellulose fibers remain the well-defined cell structures as shown in the scanning electron micrographs although few cell ruptures were observed. Likewise, the presence of the vibrational modes of the NCO and OH were confirmed in the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra suggesting that successful formation of polyurethane foams takes place. The thermogravimetric results revealed that much higher thermal stability for the 100% ESBO-based PUF with cellulose fibers due to the presence of cellulose and triglycerides in the ESBO-based polyols which both degrades at higher temperature. This suggest that 100% ESBO-based PUF with cellulose fiber exhibit higher thermal stability provides promising application for thermal insulations.