Transforming Wood and Wheat Lignin into Polyurethane Foams for Automotive and Construction

Date:July 14, 2020

Country: United States

Application

• This project develops lignin-based foams for use in automotive interiors, such as seats and headrests, enhancing fire safety and biodegradability. It also targets sustainable materials for construction, including engineered wood products and insulation.

Description

This project, led by Dr. Mojgan Nejad at Michigan State University, focuses on replacing petroleum-based polyols with lignin from wood and agricultural waste in polyurethane foams and adhesives. In collaboration with Michigan Tech and Ford, the research aims to create sustainable, biodegradable materials for automotive and construction applications. The lignin-based foams improve fire performance, flame retardancy, and provide antimicrobial properties. Additionally, lignin-based adhesives are being developed for engineered wood products like cross-laminated timber (CLT), offering cost and environmental benefits.

Pathway Description:

The process in this project involves extracting lignin from agricultural waste (like wheat straw) using organosolv technology. The lignin is then used to replace petroleum-based polyols in polyurethane foams and adhesives. These lignin-based products are developed for applications in automotive interiors, cross-laminated timber (CLT), and insulation. The foams and adhesives undergo curing at room temperature and are tested for fire resistance, durability, and cost-efficiency.