SUSTAINABLE, NANOSTRUCTURED AND BIO-BASED POLYURETHANES FOR ENERGY-EFFICIENT SANDWICH PANELS APPLIED TO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

CHIACCHIARELLI LEONEL MATIAS

Biomass, Biopolymer-Based Materials and Bioenergy

Elsevier

Año: 2018;

Construction initiatives based on sustainable solutions are fueling the demand for advanced building materials encompassing superior energy efficiency and reduced carbon footprint. A relevant step within this trend is the use of bio-based materials to replace polyols, blowing agents, catalysts as well as isocyanates. The big challenge for the successful implementation of these initiatives is the performance of the resulting bio-based polyurethane foam (PUF). Among various properties, the thermal insulation value of the PUF is the most relevant one. The next generation of bio-based PUFs should not only have superior performance but also an enhanced durability. A key aspect to obtain advanced PUFs with superior thermal insulation and derived from bio-based resources is based on the use of nanotechnology. To this effect, this chapter will focus on the role of biobased nanoparticles, such as the ones derived from lignocellulosic sources, on the thermal insulation properties of PUFs. Both the initial and aged properties of the PUFs will be analyzed emphasizing the role-play of the incorporation of bio-based nanoparticles on the nano-micro structure of these materials. Other key mechanical properties will also be analyzed, centering the discussion within the area of sandwich panels applied in the construction industry.