Development of a bio-based non-isocyanate polyutherane

This project aims to innovate a Made-in-Canada methodology for producing non-isocyanate
polyurethane (NIPU) to replace traditional polyurethane (PU) rigid foam which is produced through a
hazardous process from toxic materials such as isocyanates and phosgene.1 We aim to partner with
Polychem Consulting Solutions Ltd, a privately held Canadian company based in Vancouver, BC and a
developer of polyurethane foam from recycled sources, to develop non-toxic, CO2 and forestry waste
based polyurethane using new catalyst technology developed in our group. If successful, the impact of
this project will be three fold: 1) the commercialization of a sustainable, made in BC product to replace
currently toxic material; 2) valorization of wood waste products such as lignin, and 3) utilization of
global warming gas CO2 in the reaction, creating a market for CO2 capture plants based in BC.

Faculty Supervisor:

Parisa Mehrkhodavandi

Student:

Partner:

Polychem

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: