Eco-friendly carbon-storing foam insulation with enhanced thermal performance
Developing sustainable lignin-based non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) foams for building insulation, featuring high R-value and fire resistance. This eco-friendly solution leverages lignin's natural properties to eliminate toxic isocyanates from the production process.
Overview
The proposed solution focuses on creating a sustainable alternative to conventional polyurethane (PU) foam insulation by utilizing lignin, a carbon-negative and structurally compatible polyol resource. This eco-friendly foam insulation offers enhanced thermal performance and robust fire resistance, making it ideal for modern building applications. By synthesizing non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) foams, the technology aims to achieve a high R-value of over 7 per inch, addressing the need for efficient insulation in space-limited areas while meeting Class A fire performance standards.
Technical specifications
Lignin, an inherently hydrophobic and fire-resistant material, is chemically modified through a three-step process: oxyalkylation, transesterification, and polyaddition. This process results in cyclic carbonate-functionalized lignin, which reacts with a bio-based diamine to form crosslinked NIPU foam. Key features include:
- Elimination of toxic isocyanates in foam production
- Use of aminated lignin that reacts with bicyclic carbonates for NIPU synthesis
- Enhanced fire resistance due to lignin's natural charring behavior
- Compatibility with existing building materials for easy integration
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 3, this technology has undergone initial laboratory validation, demonstrating its potential for scale-up. Future work will focus on optimizing production conditions and characterizing the chemical structure, thermal, flammability, and mechanical properties of the foam to ensure readiness for commercial applications.
About University of Tennessee, Knoxville
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university—the flagship of the UT System—classified as R1 and serving more than 40,000 students. Industry engagement is anchored by the UT Research Park at Cherokee Farm, where corporate R&D and joint university–national lab facilities sit just across the river from campus, including assets such as the Volkswagen Innovation Hub and an AT&T 5G testbed. UT’s long‑standing partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory—via UT‑Battelle and the UT–Oak Ridge Innovation Institute—gives companies streamlined access to national lab capabilities, talent, and joint programs. A statewide Extension network and established co‑op programs connect companies to faculty expertise and student talent across Tennessee and into federal labs. Research is supported by competitive federal sponsors such as the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy. Commercialization is managed by the University of Tennessee Research Foundation, which handles IP, licensing, and startup formation.
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