Effect of Lignin Derivatives in the Bio-Polyols from Microwave Liquefied Bamboo on the Properties of Polyurethane Foams

Bamboo residues were subjected to a microwave-assisted liquefaction process for the production of crude bio-polyols (CBP). The fractionated bio-polyols (FBP) were obtained by the removal of lignin derivatives from the crude bio-polyols (CBP) using a simple method. Polyurethane (PU) foams were successfully prepared from both CBP and FBP. The object of this study was to evaluate the effect of lignin derivatives in bio-polyols on the physical properties, thermal stability, and microstructure of PU foams. The results revealed that the PU foam made from CBP had a higher density and superior thermal stability compared to that made from FBP; however, they were also much more fragile. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images indicated that the lignin compounds in the CBP had impact on the structure of the PU foam.