As hydrocarbon resources become less and less accessible and subject to erratic pricing, more attention has been devoted to the investigation and utilization of raw materials produced from renewable resources. In addition to presenting a different supply option, these materials have the potential to offer cost benefits, less price fluctuations, less dependence on imported or nonrenewable resources as well as environmental benefits. Woodbridge Foam Corporation has devoted significant resources in investigating and implementing the use of bioderived raw materials for the production of slab and moulded polyurethane products. The company has teamed up with Cargill Corp. as polyol producer (BIOH?), in a joint, coordinated effort to implement the new technology for various polyurethane applications. This paper will present recent work on the incorporation of high levels of bio-polyols, in moulded flexible PU foam systems. The spectra of achievable properties, at substitution levels of up to 40% of the petroleum-based materials, will be discussed.
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