Why Research at Clemson

Polyurethane foams are commonly found in insulation, car seats and other types of cushioning. They are the world’s sixth-most produced plastic yet among the least recycled materials and are typically made using chemicals that are suspected carcinogens. To address these environmental and health concerns, research professors Srikanth Pilla and James Sternberg have created a bio-based foam using lignin, a byproduct of the paper pulping industry, and a vegetable oil-based curing agent that introduces flexibility and toughness to the final material. The foam can be recycled because the main components of the chemical network used to produce the foam can be extracted and reused. Initial testing shows good durability in wet conditions, an important condition for gaining commercial adoption.