Eco-friendly carbon-storing foam insulation with enhanced thermal performance

Overview

The proposed solution focuses on creating a sustainable alternative to conventional polyurethane (PU) foam insulation by utilizing lignin, a carbon-negative and structurally compatible polyol resource. This eco-friendly foam insulation offers enhanced thermal performance and robust fire resistance, making it ideal for modern building applications. By synthesizing non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) foams, the technology aims to achieve a high R-value of over 7 per inch, addressing the need for efficient insulation in space-limited areas while meeting Class A fire performance standards.

Technical specifications

Lignin, an inherently hydrophobic and fire-resistant material, is chemically modified through a three-step process: oxyalkylation, transesterification, and polyaddition. This process results in cyclic carbonate-functionalized lignin, which reacts with a bio-based diamine to form crosslinked NIPU foam. Key features include:

• Elimination of toxic isocyanates in foam production
• Use of aminated lignin that reacts with bicyclic carbonates for NIPU synthesis
• Enhanced fire resistance due to lignin's natural charring behavior
• Compatibility with existing building materials for easy integration

Technology readiness level

Currently at TRL 3, this technology has undergone initial laboratory validation, demonstrating its potential for scale-up. Future work will focus on optimizing production conditions and characterizing the chemical structure, thermal, flammability, and mechanical properties of the foam to ensure readiness for commercial applications.