Isocyanate Free Self-Blowing Biobased Circular Foams

Plastics have been key materials to be aligned with the European Union´s Sustainable Development Goals.

This promise stems from its lightweight, low-density nature while maintaining favorable mechanical, thermal, and insulating properties. Nevertheless, plastic production still lacks sustainability, primarily relying on fossil resources. Indeed, less than one percent of the annual plastic production (390 million tons), originates from renewable sources.

This heavy reliance on fossil resources exacerbates global warming, as the extraction, production, and disposal of these materials release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Furthermore, in Europe, less than 20% of post-consumer plastic waste is recycled.

In the realm of plastics, polymer foams merit special attention for their versatility, combining the main unique plastic properties while minimizing material usage.

Foams serve two main purposes: flexible types for uses like packaging and cushioning, and rigid foams for insulation, construction, and high mechanical strength needs.

Despite their remarkable properties, foam production relies on nonrenewable resources and toxic chemicals like isocyanates and phosgene.

Additionally, their exceptional performance relates to their highly crosslinked nature, which also renders these materials challenging to recycle, or often, non-recyclable.

The central goal of EcoFoams is to develop biobased foams that not only match the manufacturing process and performance of commercially available foams but also offer recyclability and reprocessability.

To do so EcoFoams will explore the use of S-Alkylation Reaction to produce self-blown polycarbonate (PC) and polyhydroxurethane (PHU) foams without using toxic isocyanates. Dr. Gabriel Perli, under the guidance of Prof.

Haritz Sardon, Polymat (University of the Basque Country, Spain), will endeavour to pioneer the EcoFoams that are both more sustainable and exhibit excellent performances.