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2025 Vol.57, Issue 2 Preview Page

Original Paper

Effect of Lignin Polyol Incorporation on the Properties and Flame Retardancy of Polyurethane Foam

리그닌 폴리올 도입이 폴리우레탄 폼의 물성 및 난연성에 미치는 영향

Ji Won Heo1
,
Won Hyeok Jang2
,
Young Bin Cho2
,
Si Hyeon Lim2
,
Yong Sik Kim3†
허 지원1
,
장 원혁2
,
조 영빈2
,
임 시현2
,
김 용식3†
1Department of Paper Science & Engineering, College of Forest and Environmental Sciences, Kangwon National University
2Department of Paper Science & Engineering, College of Forest and Environmental Sciences, Kangwon National University
3Department of Paper Science & Engineering, College of Forest and Environmental Sciences, Kangwon National University
1강원대학교 산림환경과학대학 제지공학과 대학원생
2강원대학교 산림환경과학대학 제지공학과 학부생
3강원대학교 산림환경과학대학 제지공학과 교수
†Corresponding Author: E-mail: yongsikk@kangwon.ac.kr (Address: Department of Paper Science & Engineering, College of Forest and Environmental Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea)
30 April 2025. pp. 62-71
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Abstract

This study investigates the potential of lignin as a partial polyol replacement in polyurethane (PU) foam production and evaluates the impact of varying lignin content on the foam’s physical and chemical properties. Lignin-based polyurethane (LPU) foam were successfully fabricated with different lignin contents, and FT-IR, XPS, and EA analyses confirmed the formation of urethane bonds between lignin and PU. As lignin content increased, the reactivity of the PU network changed, significantly impacting the foam’s properties. Contact angle measurements revealed that the higher the lignin content, the more hydrophobic the foam, indicating lignin’s role in enhancing the foam’s water resistance. Additionally, compressive strength improved as lignin content increased, suggesting lignin’s reinforcing effect within the PU matrix. The foam’s thermal stability and flame resistance were also positively affected, with higher lignin content enhancing flame-retardant performance. These results demonstrate that lignin is a promising sustainable polyol alternative, offering improved mechanical, thermal, and flame-retardant properties for PU foams. Furthermore, this study suggests that LPU foams with tunable properties can be applied in a wide range of fields, contributing to the development of more eco-friendly and functional materials.

Keywords
Lignin
polyurethane foam
hydrophobicity
flame-retardancy
eco-material
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Information
  • Publisher :Korea Technical Association of The Pulp and Paper Industry
  • Publisher(Ko) :한국펄프종이공학회
  • Journal Title :Journal of Korea TAPPI
  • Journal Title(Ko) :펄프종이기술
  • Volume : 57
  • No :2
  • Pages :62-71
  • Received Date : 2025-04-04
  • Revised Date : 2025-04-17
  • Accepted Date : 2025-04-18
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.7584/JKTAPPI.2025.4.57.2.62
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