Fire-resistant bio-based polyurethane foams designed with two by-products derived from sugarcane fermentation process

There is a growing interest in replacing conventional fossil-based polymers and composites with waste-based materials and fillers for environmental sustainability. This study designed water-blown polyurethane rigid foams using two by-products from the Amyris fermentation process of producing β-farnesene. The distillation residue (FDR) served as the main polyol component in the foam’s formulation (PF), supplemented with 4.5% sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) as a fire-retardant filler (PFA). The study assessed the impact on foam properties. Based on the analysis of all compiled data (foam structure, mechanical, and thermal properties), it can be inferred that ash particles acted as nucleating points in the reaction media, leading to a reduction in foam density (from 134 to 105 kg/m3), cell size (from 496 to 480 nm), and thermal conductivity. The absence of chemical interaction between the ash filler and the polyurethane matrix indicates that the ash acts as a filler with a plasticizing effect, enhancing the polymer chain mobility. As a result, the glass transition temperature of the foam decreases (from 74 to 71.8 ºC), and the decomposition onset temperature is delayed. Although, the incorporation of 4.5% SCBA (grain size below 250 μm) was ineffective in the increment of the compressive strength, that small amount was enough to increase the foam’s specific strength from 1009 to 1149 m2/s2 suggesting that other factors (e.g. polyol feedstock, grain size, ash packing, etc.) are yet to be accounted. The flammability test results indicate that sugarcane bagasse ash improved the foam performance, reducing burning time from 251 to 90 s, time of extinguishment from 255 to 116 s, and burning length from 132 to 56.7 mm, meeting the fire protection standard UL 94, class HB. Despite the need for further improvement and detailed flammability evaluation, the results support the notion that polyurethane foams from renewable waste by-products offer a sustainable alternative to both edible and fossil-based sources. Additionally, sugarcane bagasse ash can be a suitable silica source for reinforcing composites with reduced flammability, potentially replacing harmful halogenated chemicals used for the same purpose.Work funded by AICEP (Agência para o Investimento e Comércio Externo de Portugal, E. P. E) through Alchemy—Capturing High Value from Industrial Fermentation Bio Products. Granting agency: Portugal 2020, European Regional Development Fund (FEDER). UIDB/04708/2020 and Programmatic Funding—UIDP/04708/2020 of the CONSTRUCT—Instituto de I&D em Estruturas e Construções—funded by national funds through the FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC)

Building a Greener Future: Advancing Concrete Production Sustainability and the Thermal Properties of 3D-Printed Mortars

The integration of waste materials in extrudable cement mixtures has the potential to make the construction industry more sustainable by reducing carbon footprints and developing eco-friendly materials. This along with advancements in 3D concrete printing (3DCP) provides engineering and architectural benefits by reducing material waste and costs. In this paper, the impact of waste incorporation on properties of mortar and concrete is examined. The use of waste materials, such as pumice, coal slag, agricultural lignocellulosic residues, and recycled rubber tyres, to improve thermal insulation and durability of cementitious composites is discussed. In addition, the incorporation of air-entraining admixtures with surfactant activity is explored for their indirect effect on thermal behaviour, pore size reduction, and enhancement in concrete properties. This review includes important topics such as a strength resistance to freezing and thawing, fire resistance, plasticising effect, and delay in cement hydration. These findings highlight the benefits of using diverse waste materials in construction, providing a multidimensional approach to waste management, cost optimization, and enhanced construction materials in the context of 3DCP