Crude Tall Oil as Raw Material for Rigid Polyurethane Foams with Low Water Absorption

Abstract

The synthesis technology of polyol from crude deciduous tree tall oil was developed, the structure of obtained polyol was analyzed using FTIR spectroscopy. Compositions of rigid polyurethane (PUR) foams were formulated using polyol from crude deciduous tree tall oil, Isocyanate indexes varied in wide range from 150 to 300. The densities of obtained rigid polyurethane foams was in range from 44-101 kg/m³. Produced rigid PUR foams were characterized by good compression characteristics and low water absorption. The optimal water absorption was achieved at density lower than 50 kg/m³ and Isocyanate index lower than 175. Thus the obtained PUR foams have the potential to be used for boat construction or for production of life-saving equipment.