Polyols from microwave liquefied bagasse and its application to rigid polyurethane foam
Authors: | Jiulong Xie, Xianglin Zhai, Chung Hse, Todd Shupe, Hui Pan |
Year: | 2015 |
Type: | Scientific Journal |
Station: | Southern Research Station |
DOI: | https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8125472 |
Source: | Materials |
Abstract
Bagasse flour (BF) was liquefied using bi-component polyhydric alcohol (PA) as a solventand phosphoric acid as a catalyst in a microwave reactor. The effect of BF to solvent ratio and
reaction temperatures on the liquefaction extent and characteristics of liquefied products were
evaluated. The results revealed that almost 75% of the raw bagasse was converted into liquid
products within 9 min at 150 C with a BF to solvent ratio of 1/4. The hydroxyl and acid values of the
liquefied bagasse (LB) varied with the liquefied conditions. High reaction temperature combining
with low BF to solvent ratio resulted in a low hydroxyl number for the LB. The molecular weight
and polydispersity of the LB from reactions of 150 C was lower compared to that from 125 C. Rigid
polyurethane (PU) foams were prepared from LB and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), and
the structural, mechanical and thermal properties of the PU foam were evaluated. The PU foams
prepared using the LB from high reaction temperature showed better physical and mechanical
performance in comparison to those from low reaction temperature. The amount of PA in the
LB has the ability of increasing thermal stability of LB-PU foams. The results in this study may
provide fundamental information on integrated utilizations of sugarcane bagasse via microwave
liquefaction process.