Environmental Impact of Polyurethane-Based Aerogel Production: Influence of Solvents and Solids Content

Seyed Ahmad Aldaghi, Mattia Costamagna, Massimo Perucca, Esther Pinilla-Peñalver, Darío Cantero, Amaya Romero and Luz Sánchez-Silva ()
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Seyed Ahmad Aldaghi: Project HUB-360, Corso Laghi 22, 10051 Avigliana, Italy
Mattia Costamagna: Project HUB-360, Corso Laghi 22, 10051 Avigliana, Italy
Massimo Perucca: Project HUB-360, Corso Laghi 22, 10051 Avigliana, Italy
Esther Pinilla-Peñalver: Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. Camilo José Cela 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
Darío Cantero: Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. Camilo José Cela 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
Amaya Romero: Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. Camilo José Cela 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
Luz Sánchez-Silva: Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. Camilo José Cela 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain

Resources, 2024, vol. 13, issue 10, 1-18

Abstract: This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the environmental impacts associated with the synthesis of polyurethane (PUR) aerogels. The synthesis process incorporates various solvents and solids contents into the formulation, with the primary objective of enhancing the physical properties of the aerogels for broad industrial applications. Nine experimental scenarios were explored, grouped into two sets based on the variables studied. A detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted to evaluate the environmental impacts of all formulated PUR aerogels. The findings indicate that a solvent solution of 100% ethyl acetate (EtOAc) results in lower environmental impacts compared to other tested formulations. Notably, a solvent solution comprising 75% acetonitrile (ACN) and 25% EtOAc exhibited the highest environmental Key Performance Indicator ( εKPI ) among the tested material formulations, closely followed by the PUR aerogel obtained using acetone as a solvent. Furthermore, this study underscores the necessity of performing an integrated LCA that considers both environmental and functional aspects. While reducing the solids content is environmentally advantageous, it may present challenges in terms of material functionality. This is illustrated by the PUR aerogel synthesized with the lowest solids content of 3.2 wt.%, which demonstrated high deformability, thereby complicating the determination of a reliable Young’s modulus for analysis.

Keywords: aerogels; building insulation; polymeric materials; pilot line; energy consumption; life cycle assessment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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