A Study of Rapeseed Oil-Based Polyol Substitution with Bio-based Products to Obtain Dimensionally and Structurally Stable Rigid Polyurethane Foam

Water-blown polyurethane foams from low functionality polyols are characterized by intensive shrinkage, high density, post blowing, and longer demold time. These drawbacks can be partially, or fully, eliminated by varying chemical parameters of the main components. Therefore, an aliphatic polyester rapeseed oil-based polyol was modified with bio-based glycerin (RGL) and propylene glycol (RPG). The impact of the molecular weight and hydroxyl value of the blends were evaluated by testing obtained bio-based polyurethane foams. Compared to RGL-based foams, RPG-modified foams had the strictest standard (EN 13165) requirements regarding dimensional stability. These foams demonstrated a reduced apparent density from 12.6 to 20.8%, a faster foam curing capability by 47%, and the shortest demold time due to the open cell structure. The RGL modified foams had better cross-linking capability, slower ageing of thermal conductivity, and an increased compressive strength of 82.7% compared to the non-modified foam.