SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 31 January 2014
STP157420130107

An Investigation on Bio-Based Polyurethane Foam Insulation for Building Construction

Source

Bio-based renewable construction material is an old concept. Wood, straw, and other products of nature have been used for millennia around the world. However, in modern construction, the ratio of bio-based to non-renewable building materials is very low. This is primarily due to performance requirements. Purely bio-based construction materials sometimes have performance levels not quite equal to modern construction materials. The biggest challenge for the development of bio-based construction materials is to bring environmental friendliness and high engineering performance together in a single material. This paper presents results from a laboratory screening study on the development and the assessment of rigid partially bio-based polyurethane (PU) foams (seven different formulations) that contain lignin-based polyols, up to 20 % of polyol weight. The formulation strategy, morphology, and hygrothermal performance of rigid bio-based PU foams are presented and compared with the traditional petroleum-based reference PU foam. This study demonstrates that partially bio-based rigid PU foam with appropriate formulation can have characteristics that may be suitable for the construction industry applications. For market acceptance, further investigation is needed on long-term performance and durability.

Author Information

Mukhopadhyaya, Phalguni
National Research Council (NRC) Canada, Ottawa, ON, CA
Ton-That, Minh-Tan
National Research Council (NRC) Canada, Boucherville, QC, CA
Ngo, Tri-Dung
National Research Council (NRC) Canada, Boucherville, QC, CA
Legros, Nathalie
National Research Council (NRC) Canada, Boucherville, QC, CA
Masson, J., -F.
National Research Council (NRC) Canada, Ottawa, ON, CA
Bundalo-Perc, Sladana
National Research Council (NRC) Canada, Ottawa, ON, CA
van Reenen, David
National Research Council (NRC) Canada, Ottawa, ON, CA
Price: $25.00
Contact Sales
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Developed by Committee: C16
Pages: 1–11
DOI: 10.1520/STP157420130107
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-7594-5
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-7593-8