Bio-based tannin-furanic foams and polylactide beads as sustainable alternatives to expanded polystyrene
Sustainable rigid foam technology using renewable tannin and furfuryl alcohol, plus polylactide bead foams, offering eco-friendly replacements for expanded polystyrene in packaging applications.
Overview
This research presents two sustainable alternatives to expanded polystyrene (EPS) for packaging and insulation applications. The first approach uses tannin-furanic rigid foams made from renewable tannin extract (a forestry and agricultural waste product) combined with furfuryl alcohol derived from furfural, a natural compound obtained through hydrolysis of sugars. The second approach uses polylactide (PLA) bead foams, a biopolymer sourced from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane, processed using supercritical carbon dioxide as a blowing agent. Both solutions address growing demand for cost-effective, eco-friendly packaging materials that reduce reliance on petroleum-based polystyrene.
Technical specifications
Tannin-furanic rigid foams:
- Formed through reaction of tannin, furfuryl alcohol, and formaldehyde water solution in a water medium
- Tween 85 used as surfactant; p-toluene sulfonic acid as catalyst
- Approximately 20% of final foam weight derived from furfuryl alcohol
- Average bulk density measured at 0.070 g/cm³
- Compressive strength of 0.07 MPa, improvable with zinc chloride additive
- n-pentane proposed as a less toxic alternative blowing agent to diethyl ether
- Porous structure confirmed through SEM imaging
Polylactide bead foams:
- Produced using supercritical CO₂ extrusion foaming
- Epoxy-based chain extender applied to improve foaming ability
- Bead formation confirmed through visual observation and SEM analysis
- Carbon dioxide serves as environmentally benign blowing agent
Key benefits:
- Renewable feedstock reduces dependence on petroleum-based materials
- Potential cost-effectiveness through use of waste-derived tannin
- Biodegradable or bio-based end products
- Comparable structural performance to EPS for packaging applications
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at laboratory-scale validation stage. Foam formation has been confirmed through visual observation and FTIR analysis, with porosity and mechanical properties measured for prepared samples. The tannin-furanic foams have demonstrated structural integrity during manipulation with confirmed porous morphology. Future work includes optimizing mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties, scaling production, and conducting real-environment testing in the packaging industry. The research team seeks industry collaboration to refine cost-effectiveness, test additional bio-based material formulations, and accelerate commercial readiness within approximately one year of development.
About University of Novi Sad
The University of Novi Sad is a comprehensive public research university and one of the largest in Serbia, combining broad academic breadth with an applied research culture. Industry engagement is enabled by co‑located labs and a research and technology park that links faculty, students, startups, and corporate tenants. Integration with a major teaching hospital supports clinical studies and translational collaborations, while proximity to a dynamic regional ICT and agri‑food economy provides ready access to talent and pilot environments. Research is supported by competitive European programs and national funding, alongside industry‑sponsored contracts. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation, with liaison services that streamline collaboration agreements.
Inquire about this partnering listing
Looking for
Industry applications
delivered to your inbox.