Synthesis of Polyurethane Foams from Hydroxylated and Aminated Alkali Lignin
Azis Adharis, Ph.D., Dr. Nila Tanyela Berghuis, M.Si., Athirah Nursalsabila, S.Si.

Department of Chemistry, Universitas Pertamina

Abstract

Nowadays, polyurethane foams become a demanded product by industries because of its application broadness. Polyurethane foams are synthesized by using polyols and isocyanates, but the commonly used polyols are derived from petrochemical products. Due to high demand and price of oils, it is necessary to find alternative sources of polyol, for instance based on natural and renewable products. In this research, polyurethane foams have been successfully synthesized by using alkali lignin as the polyols. Structure modification of standard alkali lignin was done through hydroxylation and amination reaction. Characterizations of the polyols and foam samples that includes determination of hydroxyl content, ninhydrin test, FTIR spectroscopy, and SEM. Based on the analyzed results, the amount of hydrogen peroxide affects the hydroxyl contents during hydroxylation reaction, yet it gives no effect on the amination reaction. SEM images show that polyurethane foams have a porous surface morphology.

Keywords: Polyurethane foam- Alkali lignin- Hydroxylation- Amination.

Topic: Polymer Chemistry & Bio-based Materials