Preparation and characterization of polyurethane foams from modified rosin-based polyether polyol

Rosin based polyether polyols were synthesized from rosin formaldehyde adduct, propylene epoxide and ethylene epoxide in the presence of catalyst. Rigid polyurethane foams (PUFs) were prepared with these rosin-based polyols and compared with foam made with an industrial polyether polyol (TC-4110) and rosin-based polyester polyols. The mechanical and thermal properties of foams were analyzed by some methods. The experimental results show that the foaming behavior for the foams prepared from such rosin based polyether polyols is similar to that of industrial products, but the reaction activities were higher, the viscosities are much lower. Furthermore, their 10% compression strength and thermal stability were higher and the dimensional stability is similar or somewhat better than that of TC-4110 system. All these unique properties of rigid PUFs made with rosin based polyether polyols were more suitable for as industrial production.