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Valorization of Agricultural Rice Straw as a Sustainable Feedstock for Rigid Polyurethane/Polyisocyanurate Foam Production

  • Roger G. Dingcong
  • , Mary Ann N. Ahalajal
  • , Leanne Christie C. Mendija
  • , Rosal Jane G. Ruda-Bayor
  • , Felrose P. Maravillas
  • , Applegen I. Cavero
  • , Evalyn Joy C. Cea
  • , Kaye Junelle M. Pantaleon
  • , Kassandra Jayza Gift D. Tejas
  • , Edison A. Limbaga
  • , Gerard G. Dumancas
  • , Roberto M. Malaluan
  • , Arnold A. Lubguban
  • Mindanao State University—Iligan Institute of Technology
  • Capitol University
  • AC Joyo Design and Technical Services
  • The University of Scranton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Agricultural rice straw (RS), often discarded as waste in farmlands, represents a vast and underutilized resource. This study explores the valorization of RS as a potential feedstock for rigid polyurethane/polyisocyanurate foam (RPUF) production. The process begins with the liquefaction of RS to create an RS-based polyol, which is then used in a modified foam formulation to prepare RPUFs. The resulting RPUF samples were comprehensively characterized according to their physical, mechanical, and thermal properties. The results demonstrated that up to 50% by weight of petroleum-based polyol can be substituted with RS-based polyol to produce a highly functional RPUF. The obtained foams exhibited a notably low apparent density of 18-24 kg/m3, exceptional thermal conductivity ranging from 0.031-0.041 W/m-K, and a high compressive strength exceeding 250 kPa. This study underlines the potential of the undervalued agricultural RS as a green alternative to petroleum-based feedstocks to produce a high-value RPUF. Additionally, the findings contribute to the sustainable utilization of abundant agricultural waste while offering an eco-friendly option for various applications, including construction materials and insulation.
Original languageEnglish
JournalACS Omega
Issue numberIssue
DOIs
StateAccepted/In press - Jan 1 2023

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