Vegetable Oil as a Renewable Feedstock for Biobased Polyurethane Foam: A Sustainable Alternative
摘要
Polyurethane foams are versatile materials that are widely used across various industries due to their superior features such as thermal and sound insulation, cushioning, and structural support. The growing environmental concerns associated with petrochemical-derived materials have driven significant interest in sustainable alternatives. This review provides an overview of the synthesis, properties, and applications of sustainable polyurethane foams derived from various types of vegetable oils, including palm, soybean, rapeseed, and corn oil. The chemical modification of vegetable oils to produce polyols and the characteristics of the resulting polyols are discussed. The review also describes the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of vegetable oil-based polyurethanes foam and how these relate to polyurethane foam formulation. Furthermore, the applications and potential of these sustainable biobased foams in industries such as in building and construction, automotive and packaging are also explored. Although many studies and innovations have been conducted to improve the properties of characteristic of polyurethane foam, vegetable oil-based foams still have certain limitations, especially in comparison with conventional polyurethane foam. Therefore, this review highlights future research areas to bridge this gap, such as improving foam properties for specific applications and developing scalable production methods of biobased polyurethanes. In conclusion, further research and development are needed to advance the use of vegetable oil-based biomaterials. This effort aligns with the global push toward sustainable future by promoting sustainable industrial practices and reducing environmental impact.