DOI: 10.18596/jotcsa.1933042 ISSN: 2149-0120

Formulation-Dependent Radiological Characteristics of Lignin-Based Furan Polyurethane Foams for Sustainable Material Applications

Abiola Ilori, Alaba Joseph Adebayo, Olanrewaju Ajanaku, Rachel Ibhade Obed, Naven Chetty
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Lignin-derived furan polyurethane foams represent a promising class of sustainable polymeric materials for insulation and structural applications. Beyond conventional physicochemical performance, the presence of naturally occurring radionuclides in biomass-derived feedstocks necessitates evaluation as part of material safety characterization. This study investigates the influence of formulation parameters on the radiological properties of lignin-based furan polyurethane foams synthesized from lignin-derived polyol (hydroxyl number 450 mg KOH g⁻¹) and furfuryl alcohol. Foam systems were prepared with varying glyoxal hardener (5–15%), water blowing agent (2–4%), and zinc acetate additive (1%), followed by controlled curing at 80°C. Gamma spectrometric analysis using a NaI(Tl) detector was employed to quantify activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K. The results showed mean activities of 16.02, 7.76, and 480.71 Bq kg⁻¹, respectively, with 40K predominating due to the biomass origin of the precursor materials. Formulation-dependent variations were observed, with increasing glyoxal content reducing 226Ra and 232Th concentrations, suggesting compositional control over radionuclide incorporation. Radiological indices, including absorbed dose, annual effective dose, and radium equivalent activity, were evaluated to assess material safety. All values remained below internationally recommended limits, confirming negligible radiological risk. The findings demonstrate that radiological characteristics can serve as complementary parameters in the chemical design and optimization of bio-based polyurethane systems. This work provides insight into integrating sustainability with safety considerations in advanced polymer formulation.

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