Research Progress and Prospect on Lignin-based Polyurethane Thermal Insulation Foam

Chen Yuhan; Liang Jingyi; Qiu Wenlian; Zhu Dongyu; Chen Shusheng

doi:10.12052/gdutxb.250092

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Research Progress and Prospect on Lignin-based Polyurethane Thermal Insulation Foam

更新时间：2026-08-04

- Research Progress and Prospect on Lignin-based Polyurethane Thermal Insulation Foam
- Vol. 43, Issue 4, Pages: 1-13(2026)
- 作者机构：
  
  1. 广东工业大学先进制造学院,广东,揭阳,515200
  2. 广东工业大学轻工化工学院广东省植物资源生物炼制重点实验室,广东,广州,510006
  3. 化学与精细化工广东省实验室揭阳分中心,广东,揭阳,515200
- 作者简介：
- 基金信息：
- DOI：10.12052/gdutxb.250092
  CLC： TQ328.3;TQ320.63
- Published：2026
- 稿件说明：
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陈育瀚, 梁静怡, 邱文莲, 等. 木质素基聚氨酯隔热泡沫的研究进展与展望[J]. 广东工业大学学报, 2026, 43(4): 1-13.
陈育瀚, 梁静怡, 邱文莲, 等. 木质素基聚氨酯隔热泡沫的研究进展与展望[J]. 广东工业大学学报, 2026, 43(4): 1-13. DOI： 10.12052/gdutxb.250092.

DOI： 10.12052/gdutxb.250092

摘要

随着全球建筑能耗的不断上升，聚氨酯泡沫凭借其超卓的隔热性能，已成为降低建筑能耗的关键材料。然而，当前聚氨酯泡沫生产主要依赖不可再生的石油基多元醇，这带来了生态环境压力大和资源可持续性不足等问题。木质素作为自然界中含量丰富的天然聚合物，具有复杂的三维结构和丰富的羟基等官能团，为替代石油基多元醇提供了可能。木质素基聚氨酯泡沫不仅保持了传统材料的隔热性能，还显著减少了对石油基原料的依赖，有助于推动建筑材料的低碳化转型。本文从聚氨酯泡沫制备工艺、木质素液化改性以及木质素聚氨酯泡沫的结构与隔热性能关系三个方面，系统梳理了该领域的最新研究进展。文章深入剖析了一步发泡法的工艺特点及气泡成核、膨胀与凝胶化的动态调控机制，并深入探讨了溶剂热液化、羟甲基化及氧烷基化等改性技术的研究与应用，详细讨论了泡沫隔热传热机制以及隔热性能的优化路径。结合当前研究的瓶颈问题，本文从木质素改性技术绿色化、关键性能突破、多功能协同优化、应用场景拓展及工业应用标准化五个方面，对未来的发展方向进行了展望，旨在为推动木质素基聚氨酯泡沫的规模化应用与可持续发展提供坚实的理论支撑。

Abstract

As global building energy consumption continues to rise

polyurethane foam has become a crucial material for reducing energy consumption in the construction sector due to its superior thermal insulation properties. However

the current production of polyurethane foam relies heavily on non-renewable petroleum-based polyols

posing significant challenges to environmental sustainability and resource availability. Lignin

an abundant natural polymer in nature

offers a promising alternative to petroleum-based polyols due to its complex three-dimensional structure and an abundance of hydroxyl and other functional groups. Polyurethane foams based on lignin not only maintain the excellent thermal insulation properties of conventional materials but also considerably reduce the dependence on petroleum-based feedstocks

thereby advancing the low-carbon transformation of building materials. This paper systematically reviews the latest research developments in the field of lignin-based polyurethane thermal insulation foams from three perspectives: the preparation technology of polyurethane foams

the liquefaction and modification of lignin

and the relationship between the structure and thermal insulation properties of lignin-based polyurethane foams. It delves into the characteristics of the one-step foaming method and its dynamic regulation mechanisms of bubble nucleation

expansion

and gelation. Additionally

it explores the research and application of modification technologies such as hydroxymethylation and oxyalkylation. It also provides an in-depth discussion on the thermal insulation and heat transfer mechanisms of foams as well as the optimization paths for improving thermal insulation performance. In light of current research bottlenecks

this paper outlines future development directions from five aspects: green lignin modification technologies

key properties enhancement

multi-function collaborative optimization

application scenario expansion

and standardization of industrial applications. This review aims to provide a robust theoretical foundation for promoting the large-scale application and sustainable development of lignin-based polyurethane foams.

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references

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