Biobased polyurethane foams for automotive applications

The use of biobased polyols and biofillers, i.e. coming from renewable resources, not in competition with food, has been considered to prepare polyurethane foams for the car seat cushions and NVH (Noise Vibrations and Harshness) applications. Most of the raw materials used come from wastes, thus securing the sustainability of the source. Polyols obtained from lignin as well as waste cooking oils have been synthesized and used as partial or complete substitute with respect to fossil-based polyols. Different grades of biochar, coming from rice husk, waste tetrapack and Arundo donax fibers have been used as fillers to improve the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the foams. These new sustainable foams have been completely characterized to show their potential with respect to their fossil-based counterparts.