Rapeseed-based polyols and paper production waste sludge in polyurethane foam: physical properties and their prediction models

Abstract

Intervention into the present building industry is the main strategy of the European Commission in order to achieve one of its planned aims regarding the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions up to 20% up by 2020 and up to 80% by 2050. Therefore, it is necessary to develop not only energetically efficient but also more environmentally friendly materials. This work presents bio-based propylene glycol and paper waste sludge particles modified polyurethane foams, their physical properties and their prediction models. The conducted research has revealed that paper waste sludge particles negatively affect dimensional changes. In order to eliminate the negative impact of paper waste sludge, bio-based propylene glycol is used. The obtained results have shown that this raw material allows development of dimensionally and structurally stable polyurethane foams used as a thermal insulating layer having the following properties: density in the range of 40–50 kg/m3, compressive strength in the range of 193–243 kPa, thermal conductivity in the range of 0.0349–0.0359 W/(m·K), long-term water absorption in the range of 6–11 vol.% and water vapour transmission factor in the range of 26.2–40.9. On the basis of the results, prediction models are suggested for the most important physical properties of propylene glycol and paper production waste sludge particles modified polyurethane foams.