|  | | Lignin-based Thermoplastic Foams for Building Insulation
Date Approved: 5/11/05
Amount: $40,000
Leads: Simo Sarkanen, Professor, Department of Bioproducts and
Biosystems Engineering, and Pat Huelman, Associate Professor and
Extension Educator, Cold Climate Housing Coordinator, Department of
Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering
Contacts: Simo Sarkanen, Professor, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems
Engineering, and Pat Huelman, Associate Professor and Extension
Educator, Cold Climate Housing Coordinator, Department of Bioproducts
and Biosystems Engineering
Benefits and Deliverables:
- Production of lignin-based thermoplastic foams with acceptable
thermal resistance (R greater than or equal to 4) for building
insulation.
- Identification of nucleants for improved foam uniformity and properties.
- Publication of results in peer-reviewed journal.
- Solicitation of partnerships with companies like Dow, Dupont,
Owens Corning, CertainTeed, Diversifoam and Aspen Research. (Through
its research and technology transfer, the University of Minnesota Cold
Climate Housing program has developed a strong reputation with the home
building industry.)
Description:
The basic promise of biorefining has been amply demonstrated in regard to the production of ethanol, 1,3-propanediol, polylactic acid, etc., from the hexoses (primarily glucose) of agricultural crops and residues. However, the lignin part of the lignocellulose, which represents 15–30 percent of all vascular plant cell wall materials, is largely used as a low-value fuel. Thus the development of useful materials from industrial byproduct lignins will enhance the profitability of biorefining operations and hasten the deployment of biorefineries in rural communities as the proportion of commodity products derived from renewable resources steadily increases.
More than one third of U.S. energy consumption arises from residential and commercial heating. The lignin-based thermoplastic foams to be produced will be capable of replacing a large percentage of the thermal insulation materials for buildings currently being made from petrochemical sources. Consequently a successful outcome from the contemplated work will be a lessening of our dependence on fossil fuels.
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