Biobased polyester polyols are sustainable alternatives to petroleum-derived polyols, with bio-content ranging from 45–99% as certified by the USDA BioPreferred® program (calculated via ASTM D6866). These polyols are synthesized through esterification of renewable feedstocks—including soybean oil (high in unsaturated fatty acids), castor oil (naturally containing hydroxyl groups), and plant-derived dicarboxylic acids (e.g., succinic acid from sugar fermentation)—offering a reduced carbon footprint (≤50% CO₂ emissions compared to fossil-based equivalents, per ISO 14067).
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Their molecular structure features hydrophobic fatty acid chains (enhancing moisture resistance) and controllable functionality (2–3 hydroxyl groups per molecule), ensuring compatibility with MDI and TDI systems. Key attributes include low odor profiles (VOCs ≤5 ppm), excellent adhesion to diverse substrates, and tailorable reactivity—making them versatile for both flexible and rigid PU applications.
High Renewable Content
Leading grades like Emerox® 14270 achieve 99% bio-content, meeting EU Ecolabel criteria (≤50% fossil carbon) and UL GREENGUARD Gold (low chemical emissions for indoor air quality). The USDA BioPreferred® certification verifies that renewable carbon constitutes the majority of the molecular structure, supporting brands in meeting sustainability reporting requirements (e.g., CDP, GRI).
Enhanced Performance
Water Resistance: The linear alkyl chain structure minimizes hydrophilic sites, resulting in water absorption ≤0.3% in cured PU coatings (ASTM D570), outperforming petroleum-based polyols in humid environments like bathrooms or coastal buildings.
Thermal Stability: With a glass transition temperature (Tg) ≥80°C (DSC measurement), these polyols maintain dimensional stability in roofing membranes and automotive underhood components, resisting softening at high temperatures.
Processing Flexibility
Available in linear and branched configurations to suit application needs:
Linear grades (e.g., Bio-Hoopol 9110) offer high elongation (≥600%, ASTM D638) and low modulus, ideal for flexible foams in mattresses and upholstery.
Branched grades (e.g., Emerox® 14066) provide high load-bearing capacity (compressive strength ≥2.5 MPa, ASTM D1621) and rigidity, perfect for packaging inserts and rigid insulation.
Sustainable Compliance
Free from heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg <10 ppm) and chlorinated solvents, these polyols comply with FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 (food-contact materials) and EU Cosmetics Regulation EC 1223/2009 (personal care applications). They are also biodegradable (≥80% in 28 days, OECD 301F), reducing environmental impact at end-of-life.
Flexible PU Foam
Mattresses: Used in viscoelastic foams to improve resilience (ball rebound ≥45%, ASTM D3574) and reduce compression set (≤15% after 72 hours at 70°C), extending product lifespan by 2–3 years.
Automotive Seating: Low-odor formulations reduce VOC emissions (≤5 ppm, VDA 278) in dashboard foams and seat cushions, enhancing occupant comfort and meeting LEED v4 indoor air quality credits.
Rigid PU Foam
Insulation Panels: Combined with CO₂-blowing agents, they form closed-cell foams with λ-value ≤0.022 W/m·K (ASTM C518), used in passive house construction to achieve energy efficiency targets.
Refrigeration: Maintain thermal resistance at -196°C (LNG storage) with cell uniformity ≥95%, replacing petroleum-based polyols in eco-friendly cold chain solutions.
Adhesives and Coatings
Wood Bonding: Bio-based PU adhesives formulated with these polyols achieve shear strength ≥2.0 MPa (ASTM D905), meeting ANSI/HPVA HP-1 standards for furniture and flooring.
Marine Coatings: Two-component PU paints resist saltwater corrosion (ASTM D117) and retain gloss ≥90% after 1,000 hours of UV exposure (ASTM G154), ideal for boat hulls and docks.
Container: Use stainless steel or HDPE containers to prevent oxidation of unsaturated fatty acid chains, which can cause viscosity increases.
Conditions: Store at 10–35°C; avoid freezing (≤0°C) as crystallization may occur, requiring gentle heating (≤40°C) to restore homogeneity.
Handling: Protect from alkaline substances (e.g., ammonia, caustic soda), which can hydrolyze ester linkages and reduce molecular weight. Shelf life is 18 months under recommended conditions.
Parameter | Value (Typical) |
Bio-Based Content | 45–99% (USDA-certified) |
Hydroxyl Number | 50–355 mg KOH/g |
Viscosity (25°C) | 1,500–30,000 cps |
Acid Value | ≤2.0 mg KOH/g |
Density (25°C) | 0.92–1.05 g/cm³ |
Biodegradability | ≥80% in 28 days (OECD 301F) |
Tg (DSC) | -40°C to 20°C |
Their molecular structure features hydrophobic fatty acid chains (enhancing moisture resistance) and controllable functionality (2–3 hydroxyl groups per molecule), ensuring compatibility with MDI and TDI systems. Key attributes include low odor profiles (VOCs ≤5 ppm), excellent adhesion to diverse substrates, and tailorable reactivity—making them versatile for both flexible and rigid PU applications.
High Renewable Content
Leading grades like Emerox® 14270 achieve 99% bio-content, meeting EU Ecolabel criteria (≤50% fossil carbon) and UL GREENGUARD Gold (low chemical emissions for indoor air quality). The USDA BioPreferred® certification verifies that renewable carbon constitutes the majority of the molecular structure, supporting brands in meeting sustainability reporting requirements (e.g., CDP, GRI).
Enhanced Performance
Water Resistance: The linear alkyl chain structure minimizes hydrophilic sites, resulting in water absorption ≤0.3% in cured PU coatings (ASTM D570), outperforming petroleum-based polyols in humid environments like bathrooms or coastal buildings.
Thermal Stability: With a glass transition temperature (Tg) ≥80°C (DSC measurement), these polyols maintain dimensional stability in roofing membranes and automotive underhood components, resisting softening at high temperatures.
Processing Flexibility
Available in linear and branched configurations to suit application needs:
Linear grades (e.g., Bio-Hoopol 9110) offer high elongation (≥600%, ASTM D638) and low modulus, ideal for flexible foams in mattresses and upholstery.
Branched grades (e.g., Emerox® 14066) provide high load-bearing capacity (compressive strength ≥2.5 MPa, ASTM D1621) and rigidity, perfect for packaging inserts and rigid insulation.
Sustainable Compliance
Free from heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg <10 ppm) and chlorinated solvents, these polyols comply with FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 (food-contact materials) and EU Cosmetics Regulation EC 1223/2009 (personal care applications). They are also biodegradable (≥80% in 28 days, OECD 301F), reducing environmental impact at end-of-life.
Flexible PU Foam
Mattresses: Used in viscoelastic foams to improve resilience (ball rebound ≥45%, ASTM D3574) and reduce compression set (≤15% after 72 hours at 70°C), extending product lifespan by 2–3 years.
Automotive Seating: Low-odor formulations reduce VOC emissions (≤5 ppm, VDA 278) in dashboard foams and seat cushions, enhancing occupant comfort and meeting LEED v4 indoor air quality credits.
Rigid PU Foam
Insulation Panels: Combined with CO₂-blowing agents, they form closed-cell foams with λ-value ≤0.022 W/m·K (ASTM C518), used in passive house construction to achieve energy efficiency targets.
Refrigeration: Maintain thermal resistance at -196°C (LNG storage) with cell uniformity ≥95%, replacing petroleum-based polyols in eco-friendly cold chain solutions.
Adhesives and Coatings
Wood Bonding: Bio-based PU adhesives formulated with these polyols achieve shear strength ≥2.0 MPa (ASTM D905), meeting ANSI/HPVA HP-1 standards for furniture and flooring.
Marine Coatings: Two-component PU paints resist saltwater corrosion (ASTM D117) and retain gloss ≥90% after 1,000 hours of UV exposure (ASTM G154), ideal for boat hulls and docks.
Container: Use stainless steel or HDPE containers to prevent oxidation of unsaturated fatty acid chains, which can cause viscosity increases.
Conditions: Store at 10–35°C; avoid freezing (≤0°C) as crystallization may occur, requiring gentle heating (≤40°C) to restore homogeneity.
Handling: Protect from alkaline substances (e.g., ammonia, caustic soda), which can hydrolyze ester linkages and reduce molecular weight. Shelf life is 18 months under recommended conditions.
Parameter | Value (Typical) |
Bio-Based Content | 45–99% (USDA-certified) |
Hydroxyl Number | 50–355 mg KOH/g |
Viscosity (25°C) | 1,500–30,000 cps |
Acid Value | ≤2.0 mg KOH/g |
Density (25°C) | 0.92–1.05 g/cm³ |
Biodegradability | ≥80% in 28 days (OECD 301F) |
Tg (DSC) | -40°C to 20°C |