Comparison of properties of common and bio-based polyurethane

Polymers that are created by the chemical polymerization of naturally occurring monomers are attracting considerable commercial interest. Their properties include non-toxicity, biodegradability and biocompatibility. In addition, these polymers are by definition drawing on feedstock that is renewable. The development of specialized lignin compounds, such as electrically conducting polymers, engineering plastics and polyurethane, is an area of highest interest and growth. The above samples are polyurethane foams made from renewable lignocelluloses materials. The lignocelluloses materials were first converted into liquid biopolyols through liquefaction. The liquefied mixture then reacted with some chemicals to produce polyurethane foams. Flexible and rigid foams can be produced by adjusting the formulas. The foams can be used as insulation and biodegradable packaging materials. The result will be biopolymers, obtained by liquefying waste wood biomass in the presence of polyhydric alcohols or phenols and with the use of adequate catalysts. In this work comparison was made between common and bio-based polyurethane by measuring only the most important properties at first (e.g. mechanical and thermal) thus avoiding waste of time and loss of money on other tests.