Polyurethane Foams : Coconut Oil-Based Polyols

As global priorities shift towards sustainable resources, there is a growing interest in alternatives to petroleum-based raw materials for industrial polyurethane (PU) foam production. Polyurethane foams (PUFs), produced from the reaction between a polyol (a polymer with multiple hydroxyl groups) and a diisocyanate, are widely used for their versatility. They range from flexible foams, like those found in mattresses or furniture, to rigid foams used for home insulation. The market for PU foams is anticipated to grow due to rising demand for comfort. Historically, petroleum-based polyols have been favored for their availability and versatility. However, as petroleum supplies dwindle, with oil reserves projected to be exhausted by around 2052, the pressing need for sustainable alternatives is clear to sustain the PU industry. Bio-based substitutes, such as polyols derived from palm, soybean, castor, and sunflower oils, have been extensively researched to replace the petroleum-based polyol feedstock. This book focuses on applying coconut oil-derived polyols in polyurethane foam production, offering a detailed examination of their potential benefits and associated difficulties. The introductory chapter outlines the critical need for greener alternatives and emphasizes the significant role of coconut oil as a substitute for petroleum-based polyols. Subsequent chapters delve into the chemistry and synthesis of coconut oil-derived polyols and polyurethanes, providing insights into their properties and contributions to polyurethane formulations. This book further provides an overview of how coconut oil's high saturation impacts the polyol production process and explores methods to overcome these challenges. It bridges the gap between raw material science and practical applications using coconut oil in polymer studies. It provides valuable information for researchers and industry professionals aiming to innovate with sustainable polymer materials.

Dr. Lubguban, a Professor in Chemical Engineering of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Technology at Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Philippines is a distinguished expert in the field of polymers. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, followed by a Master of Science and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Missouri, Columbia, USA. With a strong focus on both petroleum-based and sustainable polymers, Dr. Lubguban has contributed significantly to the research and development of advanced materials for diverse applications. Currently, he serves as the project leader at the Center for Sustainable Polymers, an initiative that is funded by Department of Science and Technology in the Philippines that focuses on the development of coconut oil-based polyols for polyurethane production, including rigid and flexible foam applications.

Dr. Dumancas, a professor in Chemistry at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, USA, has a rich background in field of material science. He finished his BS in chemistry at the University of the Philippines Iloilo. He finished his Ph.D at the Oklahoma State University, USA. Dr. Dumancas has authored, co-authored, and edited several papers, books, and patents in his undergraduate and post-graduate career. His core research interests involve the applications of partial least squares in mining for genotype and phenotype relations and gene mapping, principal component-based regression techniques for genetic association of risk-factor diseases, genetic algorithm for the simultaneous mapping of multiple interacting quantitative trait loci, and K-means clustering of genetic data for phenotype classification.

Dr. Malaluan, a professor of Chemical Engineering at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Technology at MSU-IIT. He finished his BS in Chemical Engineering at the Mindanao State University – Marawi Campus, his MS in engineering at the Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok, and his Doctor of Engineering at Tohoku University Japan. Dr. Malaluan is an expert in various fields, especially in the field of research and development related to subcritical and supercritical cellulose processing and unit operations. He has a deep background in scientific research, working as a co-project leader at the Center for Sustainable Polymers, MSU-IIT.

Dr. Alguno, a professor of Materials Science at the Materials and Resources Engineering and Technology Department at MSU-IIT. He finished his BS in Electrial Engineering at Saint Joseph Institute of Technology, Butuan City, Philippines and his Ph.D. in Physics at Tohoku University, Japan. Dr. Alguno is an expert in various fields, especially in the field of research and development related to semiconductor physics, solar cell technology, quantum dots, material science, sensor technology, nanotechnology, advanced functional materials, and condensed matter. He also has a deep background scientific research, working as a co-project leader at the Center for Sustainable Polymers, MSU-IIT.