Waste Wood Particles from Primary Wood Processing as a Filler of Insulation PUR Foams

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Sustainable Materials

Background:

• Research on lignocellulosic fillers for polyurethane (PUR) foams primarily focuses on rigid, closed-cell structures.
• The potential of using waste wood particles (WP) from primary wood processing as a filler for open-cell PUR foams remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of incorporating waste wood particles (WP) into open-cell polyurethane (PUR) foams.
• To characterize the effects of WP addition on the foaming process, cellular structure, and material properties of PUR foams.

Main Methods:

• Waste wood particles (0.315-1.25 mm fraction) were added to PUR foam formulations at concentrations of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%.
• Foaming kinetics were analyzed by monitoring process stage durations at maximum foaming temperature.
• Cellular structure was characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), light microscopy, and computed tomography.
• Mechanical (compressive strength) and thermal (thermal conductivity) properties were evaluated.

Main Results:

• The addition of WP influenced the kinetics of the PUR foam (PUR-WP) foaming process and altered their morphology.
• Computed tomography revealed the distribution of wood particles within the PUR-WP matrix.
• A 10% addition of WP resulted in a 30% increase in compressive strength (parallel to foam growth) and a 10% decrease in thermal conductivity.

Conclusions:

• Waste wood particles are a viable filler for creating open-cell PUR foams with improved mechanical and thermal properties.
• Optimized incorporation of WP can enhance the performance of sustainable polyurethane biocomposites.
• This research contributes to the valorization of wood waste in the development of advanced materials.