Synthesis and application of new bio-polyols based on mustard oil for the production of selected polyurethane materials

Abstract Two new bio-polyols based on unrefined white mustard (Sinapis alba) oil were obtained as a result of two-step synthesis consisting of epoxidation of double bonds and subsequent opening of the created oxirane rings. Plant-based bio-polyols have been thoroughly characterized for their suitability for the production of polyurethane materials. Their basic analytical parameters such as hydroxyl value, acid value and water content were determined. Physicochemical properties of obtained compounds were also determined. The assumed chemical structures were confirmed by FTIR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The obtained results of polyols test allowed the development of new formulations of rigid polyurethane/polyisocyanurate (RPU/PIR) foams, in which petrochemical polyol was partially replaced by new compounds. Two series of foams based on mustard oil based bio-polyols were obtained. Physico-mechanical properties, aging resistance, thermal insulation properties, flammability and susceptibility to biodegradation in soil environment were tested in new bio-based RPU/PIR foams. Foams modified by bio-polyols had lower apparent density, lower brittleness, lower absorbability and water absorption than the reference foam. Flammability and thermal insulation properties were at the level of the reference foam. However, modification of RPU/PIR foams by mustard oil-based polyols significantly improved the susceptibility to biodegradation in the soil environment of these materials.