Synthesis and Characterization of Lignin-Based Polycarbonate Polyols for Flexible Polyurethane Foam Application.

ABSTRACT: With the rising demand for sustainable materials, lignin-based polyols offer a promising renewable alternative to traditional petroleum-based polyols in flexible polyurethane (PU) foams. This study focuses on synthesizing novel high-performance lignin-based polycarbonate polyols via transesterification with dimethyl carbonate. The resulting lignin polyols exhibited hydroxyl values ranging from 111 to 179 mg KOH/g and viscosities of 12,000-26,000 mPa·s, thereby enhancing the suitability of lignin for flexible foam formulation. An in-depth structural analysis using proton, carbon, phosphorus, and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance confirmed the grafting of long polyether chains and the introduction of multiple carbonate linkages onto the lignin structure. Foams were formulated by replacing up to

SUBMITTER: Acquah EK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12854248 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature