Preparation of Semi-Rigid and Rigid Polyurethane Foams Through Soy Hull Augmentation

摘要

A process for generating controlled-rigidity polyurethane foam has been developed. The process relies on incorporation of partially hydrolyzed soy hulls into water blown polyurethane formulations. The process involves base hydrolysis of soy hulls. The partial hydrolysis of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignins enhances interaction between isocyanate and the hydroxyl groups of the oligosaccha-rides and the amine groups of the oligopeptides, controlled -rigidity foam structure. Direct incorporation of ground soy hulls, by contrast, leads to high-density foam with poor mechanical properties. Results show that soy hull augmented foams possess superior tensile strength, compressive strength, and hardness.