The biodegradable cellulose-derived polyol and polyurethane foam

The method of polyol synthesis from cellulose, glycidol, and ethylene carbonate in water was elaborated. The obtained polyol was characterized by IR, 1H NMR and MALDI ToF spectroscopy. The polyol was then used to obtain rigid polyurethane foam. That foam have apparent density, water uptake, and polymerization shrinkage similar to conventional rigid polyurethane foams. The foam showed advantageous thermal resistance in comparison with classic ones. After thermal exposure its compressive strength was improved. The polyol is totally biodegradable in soil. The polyurethane foam obtained from this polyol was 70–80% biodegraded in soil within 28 days.