Renewable Self-Blowing Non-Isocyanate Polyurethane Foams from Lysine and Sorbitol

Copolymerisation of a sorbitol-derived bis-carbonate with simple diamines, including cadaverine that was sustainably produced from lysine, under solvent-free conditions was shown to produce rigid foams. Thermogravimetric analysis carried out in tandem with infrared spectroscopy of the released gases confirmed that the foaming agent was carbon dioxide produced during the polymerisation process itself. Such a bio-based foam, being made under mild conditions from stable, benign precursors, with no toxic isocyanates, has great potential application for both thermal insulation and packaging.