This project explores the use of banana and bergamot peels as bio-based fillers in the production of rigid polyurethane biofoams. Researchers in Brazil incorporated these fruit waste products into polyurethane to improve sustainability and reduce production costs. The study found that banana and bergamot peel showed better chemical compatibility with polyurethane, enhancing thermal stability and cell size. The research suggests that using agricultural waste as fillers can contribute to more sustainable polyurethane manufacturing.
The process used in this project involves incorporating dried banana and bergamot peels as bio-based fillers into rigid polyurethane foam. The peels were oven-dried, then analyzed for chemical compatibility and incorporated into the foam at varying concentrations (5%, 10%, and 15%). The resulting biofoams were tested for properties like thermal stability, cell size, and compressive strength. Various characterization techniques, including FT-IR, SEM, and thermal stability analysis, were used to evaluate the biofoam's performance.
