Lignin-Based Non-Toxic Foam

Date:11 Aug 2021

Country: United States

Application

• Car seats: The foam is being explored as a sustainable alternative for automotive applications, such as car seat padding.
• Shoe insoles: The foam can also be used for insoles in shoes.

Description

Clemson University researchers developed a sustainable, non-toxic polyurethane foam from lignin, a wood-processing byproduct. The foam, called NIPU (Nonisocyanate Polyurethane), eliminates the use of harmful isocyanates typically found in traditional foams. The team’s process involves dissolving lignin and curing it with vegetable oil and other agents to create a biodegradable foam for use in products like car seats and shoe insoles. This innovation won the 2021 Green Chemistry Challenge Award from the U.S. EPA for its environmentally friendly approach.

 

 

Pathway Description:

The process involves dissolving lignin powder in carbonate, precipitating it with acidified water, and drying it back into powder. The lignin is then mixed with a vegetable-oil curing agent, solvent, catalyst, and foaming agent, and poured into a mold. The mixture is baked for 12 hours at 150°C, causing it to foam and solidify into a disk. This method produces a non-toxic, biodegradable polyurethane foam.