A research team at Washington State University has created a flexible, biobased polyurethane foam using lignin extracted from pine. This eco-friendly alternative replaces 20% of petroleum-based chemicals in the foam.
The innovation uses an environmentally-friendly preparation of lignin, a renewable carbon source abundant in pine. The lignin is extracted using a mild solvent, resulting in a high-quality material with good thermal stability. Lignin from pine replaces 20% of petroleum-based chemicals in polyurethane foam
Tests showed that the bio-based foam performs similarly to conventional polyurethane foams in terms of strength and flexibility. The researchers aim to partner with industry partners to optimize and scale up production. Bio-based foam matches the strength and flexibility of conventional polyurethane.
The market for polyurethane foam is substantial, with a global market size exceeding $75 billion in 2022. The development of sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastic materials could address environmental concerns surrounding plastic waste.
Petroleum-based plastics have a low recycling rate and can take centuries to break down, while their recycling process often produces inferior products, according to researchers.
