Title : Bio-based polyol synthesis from vegetable oils for polyurethane materials in footwear applications
Abstract:
As is well known, polyurethane is a polymer typically derived from non-renewable fossil-based sources, resulting in materials with a high environmental impact. PU is formed by the reaction between a polyol and an isocyanate, and its final properties—such as flexibility, hardness, or thermal resistance—can vary significantly depending on the additives and formulation components used during synthesis. In this context, the main objective of this work is to develop new technologies for the production of bio-based raw materials for polyurethane manufacturing. In particular, it addresses the synthesis of polyols from different vegetable oils.
Bio-polyols have been successfully synthesized through the epoxidation of the carbon-carbon double bonds naturally present in the structure of vegetable oils, followed by epoxide ring-opening reaction. These processes achieved good yields using soybean, linseed, rapeseed, and castor oils. To evaluate the properties of the new polyols and assess their potential forflexible foams applications, the viscosity of the polyols, and their OH index has been determined. Finally, a methodology to obtain flexible foams using different proportions of bio-polyols derived from soybean oil and castor oil was developed and optimized. These new foams show potential for the manufacture of insoles in the footwear industry.
In conclusion, the synthesis of bio-polyols from vegetable oils has been successfully developed and optimized. Furthermore, flexible polyurethane foams have been produced from these polyols for applications in the footwear industry. Thus, the work developed in this project paves the way for the use of new, more sustainable and less polluting formulations in important industries such as footwear, also leading to the implementation of circular economy systems in the sector.
