Liquefaction optimization of grape pulp using response surface methodology for biopolyol production and bio-based polyurethane foam synthesis

Both environmental and economic disadvantages of using petroleum-based products have been forcing researchers to work on environmentally friendly, sustainable, and economical alternatives. The purpose of this study is to optimize the solvothermal liquefaction process of grape pomace using response surface methodology coupled with a central composite design. After investigating the physicochemical properties of the liquified products (biopolyol) in detail, a bio-based rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) was synthesized and characterized. The hydroxyl and acid numbers and viscosity values of all the biopolyols were analyzed. According to variance analysis results (%95 confidence range), both the reaction temperature and catalyst loading were determined as significant parameters on the liquefaction yield (LY). The model was validated experimentally in the following reaction conditions: 4.25% catalyst loading, 50 min reaction time, and 165 °C reaction temperature, which yields an LY of 81.3%. The biopolyols produced by the validation experiment display similar characteristics (hydroxyl number: 470.5 mg KOH/g; acid number: 2.31 mg KOH/g; viscosity: 1785 cP at 25 °C) to those of commercial polyols widely preferred in the production of polyurethane foam. The physicochemical properties of bio-based foam obtained from the biopolyol were determined and the thermal conductivity, closed-cell content, apparent density, and compressive strength values of bio-based RPUF were 31.3 mW/m·K, 71.1%, 33.4 kg/m³, and 105.3 kPa, respectively.