Polyurethane foam and composition for producing polyurethane foam

Abstract

Provided is a technique for producing a novel polyurethane foam capable of reducing environmental load. The present invention provides a polyurethane foam having a biodegradability of 15% or less after 45 days and a biodegradability of 30% or more after 180 days in a biodegradability test according to ISO 14885-2. Also provided are: a composition for producing a polyurethane foam, which contains a polyol and a biomass-derived isocyanate; and a polyurethane foam that is formed using the composition for producing a polyurethane foam.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to polyurethane foam and a composition for producing the same. Background Art

[0002] Polyurethane foam is widely used in various fields, including furniture such as sofas and chairs, bedding such as mattresses and pillows, clothing such as underwear, sponges for tableware, daily necessities such as sponges for cleaning, vehicles such as vehicle seats, aircraft interior products, toys, and sundries. Moreover, various developments are being made to improve the quality or impart new functions according to the respective fields and purposes.

[0003] In addition, in recent years, in order to contribute to the formation of a sustainable society, a technique for producing a foam using biomass resources has been proposed. For example, in Patent Document 1, a rigid polyurethane foam produced from a prepolymer obtained by reacting at least one polyisocyanate component, at least one hydroxy-functional acrylate component, and at least one polyol component which is a biopolymer containing castor oil, soybean oil, etc. is disclosed.

[0004] In addition, for environmental considerations, a technique for producing a foam with high biodegradability has been proposed. For example, in Patent Document 2, a technique for producing a biodegradable polyurethane-based foam using a composition containing a mixture based on a poly(hydroxybutyrate) polymer, a polyol of renewable energy, an isocyanate, and an additive is disclosed.

[0005] Prior Art Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-522325

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-527598 Summary of the Invention

[0008] As described above, techniques for using biomass resources or imparting biodegradability to foams are being developed, but in reality, people hope for more environmental friendliness. Therefore, the main object of the present technology is to provide a technique for producing a new polyurethane foam that can reduce the environmental load.

[0009] In the present technology, first, a polyurethane foam is provided, wherein,

[0010] in the biodegradation degree test of ISO 14885-2,

[0011] the biodegradation degree after 45 days is 15% or less,

[0012] the biodegradation degree after 180 days is 30% or more.

[0013] The polyurethane foam involved in the present technology can use an ester-based polyol derived from biomass as a raw material.

[0014] The polyurethane foam involved in the present technology can also use a primary amine as a raw material.

[0015] In the present technology, next, a composition for producing a polyurethane foam is provided, which contains:

[0016] a polyol; and

[0017] an isocyanate derived from biomass.

[0018] The polyol used in the composition for producing a polyurethane foam involved in the present technology can contain a polyol derived from biomass.

[0019] In the present technology, additionally, a polyurethane foam formed by using the composition for producing a polyurethane foam involved in the present technology is provided.

[0020] The biomass content of the polyurethane foam involved in the present technology can be 50% or more. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 is a graph showing the change over time of the biodegradation degree at 180 days in Experimental Example 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments for implementing the present technology will be described. The embodiments described below represent an example of a representative embodiment of the present technology, and any embodiments can be combined. In addition, the scope of the present technology will not be narrowly interpreted by them.

[0023] [First Embodiment]

[0024] 1. Polyurethane Foam

[0025] The polyurethane foam involved in the present technology is characterized in that in the biodegradation degree test of ISO 14885-2, the biodegradation degree after 45 days is 15% or less, and the biodegradation degree after 180 days is 30% or more. The polyurethane foam involved in the present technology can prevent early deterioration and maintain its quality for a certain period by having a biodegradation degree of 15% or less after 45 days. In addition, the polyurethane foam involved in the present technology can exhibit good biodegradability in a general environment by having a biodegradation degree of 30% or more after 180 days.

[0026] The polyurethane foam involved in the present technology can be any one of soft polyurethane foam, rigid polyurethane foam, and semi-rigid polyurethane foam, but soft polyurethane foam is particularly preferred. Specifically, an elongation rate of 50% or more is preferred, and an elongation rate of 90% or more is more preferred. Compared with semi-rigid and rigid polyurethane foams, the polyurethane foam having an elongation rate within this range is very soft and can be said to be soft polyurethane foam.

[0027] In addition, as long as the purpose and effect of the present technology are not impaired, the hardness of the polyurethane foam involved in the present technology is not particularly limited, but its lower limit value is, for example, 10 or more, preferably 20 or more, more preferably 30 or more, and further preferably 40 or more. In addition, the upper limit value of the hardness of the polyurethane foam is, for example, 100 or less, preferably 90 or less, more preferably 80 or less, and further preferably 70 or less. In addition, in the present technology, the hardness is the value measured by an ASKER rubber hardness tester type F.

[0028] As long as the purpose and effect of the present technology are not impaired, the foam density of the polyurethane foam involved in the present technology is not particularly limited, but its lower limit value is, for example, 20 kg / m 3 , preferably 40 kg / m 3 , more preferably 60 kg / m 3 , further preferably 70 kg / m 3 . In addition, the upper limit value of the foam density of the polyurethane foam is, for example, 200 kg / m 3 , preferably 150 kg / m 3 , more preferably 100 kg / m 3 , further preferably 90 kg / m 3 . By setting the foam density within this range, the appearance of the polyurethane foam becomes better.

[0029] In the prior art, yeasts that degrade polyurethane have also been developed, etc., but these bacteria are special degradation bacteria and have the problem of not showing biodegradability in general environments. On the other hand, in the case of existing foams that also show high biodegradability in general environments, there are also problems of rapid deterioration and poor quality retention. However, the polyurethane foam involved in the present technology shows biodegradability in general environments, but also has good quality retention.

[0030] The polyurethane foam related to the present technology can be used for all purposes in all fields according to its quality level. For example, it can be suitably used for furniture such as sofas and chairs, bedding such as mattresses and pillows, clothing such as underwear, daily necessities such as tableware and cleaning sponges, vehicles such as vehicle seats, aircraft interior products, building joint materials, building cushioning materials, building sealing materials, home appliance sealing materials, sound insulation materials, packaging materials, vehicle heat insulation materials, anti-condensation materials, interior materials, home appliance heat insulation materials, pipe heat insulation materials, various covers, cushioning materials, toys, sundries, etc.

[0031] 2. Composition for manufacturing polyurethane foam

[0032] The polyurethane foam related to the present technology can use ester-based polyols and primary amines derived from biomass as raw materials. In addition, as long as the purpose and effects of the present technology are not impaired, materials that can be used as raw materials for general polyurethane foams can be freely selected and used. Hereinafter, the composition for manufacturing the polyurethane foam related to the present technology will be described.

[0033] The composition for manufacturing polyurethane foam used in the present technology can contain biodegradable polyols, isocyanates, primary amines, blowing agents, catalysts, foam stabilizers, biodegradation promoters, etc. Hereinafter, each component will be described in detail.

[0034] (1)Biodegradable polyol

[0035] As long as the purpose and effects of the present technology are not impaired, as the biodegradable polyols that can be used in the present technology, one or more biodegradable polyols that can be used in the manufacture of polyurethane foam can be freely selected and used. For example, polyglycolic acid (PGA), polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene succinate - adipate (PBSA), polybutylene adipate / terephthalate (PBAT), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), cellulose, cellulose acetate, chitosan, starch, modified starch, xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol, castor oil-based polyols and other ester-based polyols derived from biomass having hydroxyl groups can be cited. Among them, in the present technology, it is preferable to use ester-based polyols derived from biomass having hydroxyl groups such as castor oil-based polyols represented by the following chemical formula (1), and polycaprolactone (PCL) represented by the following chemical formula (2) can also be used in combination. In addition, as polyols, it is preferable to use all biodegradable polyols, but other polyols can also be mixed and used. Other polyols will be described in the second embodiment described later.

[0036] [Chemical formula 1]

[0037]

[0038] [Chemical Formula 2]

[0039]

[0040] (m and n are integers of 1 or more)

[0041] In the composition for producing a polyurethane foam according to the present technology, the content of the biodegradable polyol relative to 100 parts by mass of the polyol is, for example, 50 parts by mass or more, preferably 55 parts by mass or more, more preferably 60 parts by mass or more, and further preferably 65 parts by mass or more. By setting the content of the biodegradable polyol relative to 100 parts by mass of the polyol within this range, the effect of reducing the environmental load can be enhanced.

[0042] In the composition for producing a polyurethane foam according to the present technology, as long as the functions and effects of the present technology are not impaired, the upper limit of the content of the biodegradable polyol relative to 100 parts by mass of the polyol is not particularly limited. Considering biodegradability, it is preferable to use only biodegradable polyols. The upper limit of the content of the polyol derived from plants relative to 100 parts by mass of the polyol can be set, for example, to 100 parts by mass or less, 90 parts by mass or less, 85 parts by mass or less, 80 parts by mass or less, 75 parts by mass or less, 70 parts by mass or less, etc.

[0043] (2) Isocyanate

[0044] As long as the purpose, functions and effects of the present technology are not impaired, one or more isocyanates that can be used for producing polyurethane foams can be freely selected and used for the present technology. For example, aromatic isocyanates, aliphatic isocyanates, and alicyclic isocyanates can be mentioned.

[0045] As the aromatic isocyanates that can be used for the present technology, for example, 2,4-toluene diisocyanate, 2,6-toluene diisocyanate, m-phenylene diisocyanate, p-phenylene diisocyanate, 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, 2,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, 2,2'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, xylylene diisocyanate, 3,3'-dimethyl-4,4'-biphenylene diisocyanate, 3,3'-dimethoxy-4,4'-biphenylene diisocyanate, etc. can be mentioned.

[0046] In the present technology, as the isocyanate, an aliphatic isocyanate and / or an alicyclic isocyanate are preferably used. Aliphatic isocyanates and alicyclic isocyanates are characterized by high degradability, and thus can contribute to the environment. The polyurethane foam according to the present technology decomposes into an amine derived from the isocyanate and a polyol by hydrolysis of the ester bond portion of the polyol and hydrolysis of the urethane bond derived from the isocyanate. In the present technology, by using an aliphatic isocyanate and / or an alicyclic isocyanate having degradability as the isocyanate, a polyurethane foam with high degradability can be produced.

[0047] Examples of the aliphatic isocyanate include trimethylene diisocyanate, 1,2-propylene diisocyanate, butane diisocyanate (tetramethylene diisocyanate, 1,2-butane diisocyanate, 2,3-butane diisocyanate, 1,3-butane diisocyanate), hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), pentamethylene diisocyanate, 2,2,4-trimethylhexamethylene diisocyanate, 2,4,4-trimethylhexamethylene diisocyanate, methyl 2,6-diisocyanatohexanoate, lysine diisocyanate, trimethylhexamethylene diisocyanate, 1,5-pentamethylene diisocyanate (PDI), decamethylene diisocyanate, lysine ester triisocyanate, 1,6,11-undecane triisocyanate, 1,3,6-hexamethylene triisocyanate, lysine triisocyanate (LTI (2,6-Diisocyanato hexanoic acid 2-isocyanatoethyl ester)), and the like.

[0048] Examples of the alicyclic isocyanate include monocyclic alicyclic isocyanates such as 1,3-cyclopentane diisocyanate, 1,3-cyclopentene diisocyanate, cyclohexane diisocyanate (1,4-cyclohexane diisocyanate, 1,3-cyclohexane diisocyanate), 3-isocyanatomethyl-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexyl isocyanate (isophorone diisocyanate, IPDI), dimer acid diisocyanate, trans-cyclohexane 1,4-diisocyanate, hydrogenated toluene diisocyanate (hydrogenated TDI), hydrogenated tetramethylbenzene dimethylene diisocyanate (hydrogenated TMXDI); crosslinked cyclic alicyclic isocyanates such as norbornene diisocyanate, norbornane diisocyanate methyl, diisocyanatomethyl bicycloheptane, bicycloheptane triisocyanate, bis(diisocyanatomethyl) tricyclodecane, and the like.

[0049] Among them, in the present technology, it is preferable to select HDI isocyanurate (HDI trimer, 2,4,6-trioxo-1,3,5-triazine-1,3,5-triyltris(6,1-hexanediyl) triisocyanate) represented by the following chemical formula (3), which is a trimer of hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), 1,5-PDI isocyanurate represented by the following chemical formula (4), which is a trimer of 1,5-pentamethylene diisocyanate (PDI), and lysine triisocyanate (LTI (2,6-Diisocyanato hexanoic acid 2-isocyanatoethyl ester)) represented by the following chemical formula (5).

[0050] [Chemical formula 3]

[0051]

[0052] [Chemical formula 4]

[0053]

[0054] [Chemical formula 5]

[0055]

[0056] The number of carbon atoms of the isocyanate used in the present technology is not particularly limited. However, for example, when using a trimer of isocyanate, the number of carbon atoms of the isocyanate as a monomer is preferably 6 or more.

[0057] The isocyanate group (NCO group) content rate (NCO%) in the isocyanate used in the present technology can be exemplified as 50% or less, 40% or less, preferably 35% or less, and more preferably 30% or less.

[0058] As long as the purpose and effect of the present technology are not impaired, the amount of the isocyanate used in the present technology can be freely set. In the present technology, the lower limit value of the isocyanate in the composition is, for example, 20 parts by mass or more, preferably 40 parts by mass or more, more preferably 50 parts by mass or more, further preferably 60 parts by mass or more, and particularly preferably 70 parts by mass or more with respect to 100 parts by mass of the polyol. By setting the lower limit value of the content of the isocyanate in the composition within this range, the foam shape of the manufactured polyurethane foam can be better.

[0059] In the present technology, the upper limit value of the content of the isocyanate in the composition is, for example, 200 parts by mass or less, preferably 150 parts by mass or less, more preferably 130 parts by mass or less, and further preferably 100 parts by mass or less with respect to 100 parts by mass of the polyol. By setting the upper limit value of the content of the isocyanate in the composition within this range, there is an advantage of cost reduction.

[0060] In the present technology, the isocyanate index can be freely set as long as the purpose and effect of the present technology are not impaired. In the present technology, the lower limit value of the isocyanate index is, for example, 60 or more, preferably 70 or more, and more preferably 80 or more. By setting the lower limit value of the isocyanate index of the polyurethane foam within this range, the strength of the manufactured polyurethane foam can be increased.

[0061] In the present technology, the upper limit value of the isocyanate index is, for example, 130 or less, preferably 120 or less, and more preferably 110 or less. By setting the upper limit value of the content of the isocyanate index of the polyurethane foam within this range, there is an advantage of cost reduction. In addition, it is possible to prevent the hardness of the polyurethane foam from becoming too hard and brittle, which would impair the flexibility, and to improve the elasticity of the polyurethane foam.

[0062] In addition, in the present technology, the isocyanate index is a value calculated by [(isocyanate equivalent in the polyurethane foam production composition / equivalent of active hydrogen in the polyurethane foam production composition) × 100].

[0063] (3) Primary amine

[0064] In the present technology, primary amines can be used. In particular, in the present technology, primary amines having at least one primary amino group and having 2 to 4 functional groups containing active hydrogen groups such as hydroxyl groups can be used.

[0065] When manufacturing polyurethane foam, the balance between the resinification reaction and the foaming reaction is very important. For example, if the resinification reaction is slower than the foaming reaction, the thickening of the polyurethane foam production composition is also slow. As a result, the gas generated in the foaming reaction is easily discharged, and there is a problem of unstable foaming behavior. In addition, the curing time (gel time) becomes longer, there is a problem of being unsuitable for general mold molding, poor mass productivity, and the appearance designability of the manufactured polyurethane foam also deteriorates. However, in the present technology, by using primary amines, the initial thickening (cream time) can be accelerated, internal heat generation can be promoted, the reactivity of the resinification reaction can be increased, and the reactivity of the foaming reaction can be increased, resulting in a shortened rise time. As a result, in order to improve the biodegradability, for example, even when using raw materials with low reactivity such as aliphatic isocyanates and / or alicyclic isocyanates and biodegradable polyols, the balance between the resinification reaction and the foaming reaction can be maintained well.

[0066] In addition, in the case of manufacturing a polyurethane foam using a raw material with low reactivity during production, in order to improve the reactivity, there is a method of increasing the catalyst. However, if the catalyst is increased, there are problems of destabilization of the resinification reaction and the foaming reaction. In addition, there is also a method of shortening the reaction time by using a prepolymer obtained by previously reacting a part of the polyol and / or isocyanate as a raw material. However, since the viscosity of the prepolymer is high, there is a problem that the stirrability decreases due to an increase in the viscosity of the raw material mixture. However, in the present technology, by using a primary amine, it is not necessary to increase the catalyst, so the resinification reaction and the foaming reaction are stabilized. In addition, even without using a prepolymer, the reactivity is high, so it is possible to suppress an increase in the viscosity of the raw material mixture and prevent a decrease in stirrability.

[0067] As long as the purpose and effects of the present technology are not impaired, the amount of the primary amine used in the polyurethane foam manufacturing composition according to the present technology can be freely set. In the present technology, the lower limit value of the content of the primary amine in the polyurethane foam manufacturing composition is, for example, 0.5 parts by mass or more, preferably 1 part by mass or more, more preferably 2 parts by mass or more, relative to 100 parts by mass of the polyol. By setting the lower limit value of the content of the primary amine in the polyurethane foam manufacturing composition within this range, it is possible to improve the reactivity of the resinification reaction and the foaming reaction. As a result, even when using a raw material with poor reactivity, it is possible to maintain a good balance between the resinification reaction and the foaming reaction, and furthermore, it is possible to obtain a polyurethane foam with excellent mechanical properties and designability.

[0068] In the present technology, the upper limit value of the content of the primary amine in the polyurethane foam manufacturing composition is, for example, 20 parts by mass or less, preferably 15 parts by mass or less, more preferably 10 parts by mass or less, and further preferably 7 parts by mass or less, relative to 100 parts by mass of the polyol. By setting the upper limit value of the content of the primary amine in the polyurethane foam manufacturing composition within this range, it is possible to prevent destabilization of the resinification reaction and the foaming reaction caused by excessive reactivity during production, and in addition, to prevent a decrease in stirrability caused by an increase in the viscosity due to prepolymerization. In addition, if the resinification reaction is too fast compared to the foaming reaction, curing may occur before the foaming reaction, sometimes resulting in uneven foaming, uneven hardness, or poor foaming. However, by setting the upper limit value of the content of the primary amine in the polyurethane foam manufacturing composition within this range, it is possible to maintain a good balance between the resinification reaction and the foaming reaction, and to prevent uneven foaming, uneven hardness, and poor foaming, etc.

[0069] The number-average molecular weight of the primary amine that can be used in the present technology is not particularly limited as long as the purpose and effects of the present technology are not impaired. As the lower limit value of the number-average molecular weight of the primary amine that can be used in the present technology, for example, it is 800 or more, preferably 1800 or more, more preferably 2400 or more. In addition, the weight-average molecular weight of the primary amine that can be used in the present technology is not particularly limited as long as the purpose and effects of the present technology are not impaired. As the lower limit value of the weight-average molecular weight of the primary amine that can be used in the present technology, for example, it is 800 or more, preferably 1800 or more, more preferably 2400 or more. By setting the lower limit value of the number-average molecular weight and / or weight-average molecular weight of the primary amine that can be used in the present technology within this range, it is possible to prevent the resinification reaction and the destabilization of the foaming reaction caused by excessive reactivity during manufacturing, and in addition, to prevent the reduction in stirrability due to the increase in viscosity during prepolymerization. In addition, the balance between the resinification reaction and the foaming reaction can be maintained well, and foaming unevenness, hardness unevenness, and poor foaming can be prevented.

[0070] As the upper limit value of the number-average molecular weight of the primary amine that can be used in the present technology, for example, it is 12000 or less, preferably 8000 or less, more preferably 6000 or less. In addition, as the upper limit value of the weight-average molecular weight of the primary amine that can be used in the present technology, for example, it is 12000 or less, preferably 8000 or less, more preferably 6000 or less. By setting the upper limit value of the number-average molecular weight and / or weight-average molecular weight of the primary amine that can be used in the present technology within this range, the reactivity during manufacturing can be increased. As a result, even when using raw materials with low reactivity, the balance between the resinification reaction and the foaming reaction can be maintained well, and furthermore, polyurethane foam with excellent mechanical properties and design properties can be obtained.

[0071] The number of oxyalkylene repeating units in the primary amine that can be used in the present technology is not particularly limited as long as the purpose and effects of the present technology are not impaired. As the lower limit value of the number of oxyalkylene repeating units in the primary amine that can be used in the present technology, for example, it is 10 or more, preferably 20 or more, more preferably 30 or more, and further preferably 40 or more. By setting the lower limit value of the number of oxyalkylene repeating units in the primary amine that can be used in the present technology within this range, it is possible to prevent the resinification reaction and the destabilization of the foaming reaction caused by excessive reactivity during manufacturing, and in addition, to prevent the reduction in stirrability due to the increase in viscosity during prepolymerization. In addition, the balance between the resinification reaction and the foaming reaction can be maintained well, and foaming unevenness, hardness unevenness, and poor foaming can be prevented.

[0072] As the upper limit value of the number of oxyalkylene repeating units in the primary amine that can be used in the present technology, for example, it is 200 or less, preferably 160 or less, more preferably 120 or less, and further preferably 100 or less. By setting the upper limit value of the number of oxyalkylene repeating units in the primary amine that can be used in the present technology within this range, the reactivity during production can be increased. As a result, even when using raw materials with poor reactivity, the balance between the resinification reaction and the foaming reaction can be maintained well. Furthermore, a polyurethane foam with excellent mechanical properties and designability can be obtained.

[0073] As long as the object and effects of the present technology are not impaired, the kinematic viscosity of the primary amine that can be used in the present technology is not particularly limited. The lower limit value of the kinematic viscosity of the primary amine that can be used in the present technology is, for example, 100 cSt or more, preferably 200 cSt or more, and more preferably 300 cSt or more at 25°C.

[0074] The upper limit value of the kinematic viscosity of the primary amine that can be used in the present technology is, for example, 2000 cSt or less, preferably 1500 cSt or less, and more preferably 1000 cSt or less at 25°C.

[0075] As long as the object and effects of the present technology are not impaired, the amine hydrogen equivalent (AHEW) of the primary amine that can be used in the present technology is not particularly limited. As the lower limit value of the amine hydrogen equivalent (AHEW) of the primary amine that can be used in the present technology, for example, it is 100 or more, preferably 200 or more, and more preferably 300 or more. By setting the lower limit value of the amine hydrogen equivalent (AHEW) of the primary amine that can be used in the present technology within this range, the destabilization of the resinification reaction caused by excessive reactivity during the resinification reaction can be prevented. In addition, the reduction in stirrability caused by the increase in the viscosity of prepolymerization can be prevented. In addition, the balance between the resinification reaction and the foaming reaction can be maintained well, and uneven foaming, uneven hardness, and poor foaming can be prevented.

[0076] As the upper limit value of the amine hydrogen equivalent (AHEW) of the primary amine that can be used in the present technology, for example, it is 2000 or less, preferably 1500 or less, and more preferably 1000 or less. By setting the upper limit value of the amine hydrogen equivalent (AHEW) of the primary amine that can be used in the present technology within this range, the reactivity of the resinification reaction can be increased. As a result, even when using raw materials with low reactivity, the balance between the resinification reaction and the foaming reaction can be maintained well. Furthermore, a polyurethane foam with excellent mechanical properties can be obtained.

[0077] In addition, in the present technology, the amine hydrogen equivalent weight (AHEW) of a primary amine is defined as the molecular weight of the polyetheramine divided by the number of active amine hydrogens per molecule. The amine hydrogen equivalent weight (AHEW) of a primary amine can be calculated according to what is known to those skilled in the art and the prior art, but it is preferably calculated by determining the content of amino nitrogen using the procedure described in ISO9702.

[0078] As specific examples of the primary amine that can be used in the present technology, for example, one or more primary amines selected from polyester primary amines and polyether triamines obtained by addition polymerization of an alkylene oxide represented by the following chemical formula (6), poly (propylene glycol) triamine, polyoxypropylene diamine, and other polyether primary amines can be cited, and one or two or more of the above primary amines can be freely selected and used.

[0079] [Chemical formula 6]

[0080]

[0081] (n, x, y, and z are each an integer of 1 or more)

[0082] In addition, as long as the object and effect of the present technology are not impaired, secondary amines and tertiary amines can also be used in the composition for producing a polyurethane foam according to the present technology in addition to the primary amine. In this case, the proportion of the primary amine in all amines is preferably 90% or more, more preferably 94% or more. By setting the proportion of the primary amine in all amines within this range, the reactivity of the resinification reaction can be increased. As a result, even when using raw materials with poor reactivity, the balance between the resinification reaction and the foaming reaction can be maintained well, and furthermore, a polyurethane foam with excellent mechanical properties can be obtained.

[0083] (4) Foaming agent

[0084] The composition for producing a polyurethane foam according to the present technology can use a foaming agent. As the foaming agent that can be used in the present technology, one or two or more foaming agents that can be used for producing a polyurethane foam can be freely selected and used as long as the object and effect of the present technology are not impaired.

[0085] As the foaming agent, for example, water, hydrocarbons, halogen-based compounds, etc. can be cited. As the hydrocarbons, cyclopentane, isopentane, n-pentane, etc. can be cited. As the halogen-based compounds, dichloromethane, trichlorofluoromethane, dichlorodifluoromethane, nonafluorobutyl methyl ether, nonafluorobutyl ethyl ether, pentafluoroethyl methyl ether, heptafluoroisopropyl methyl ether, etc. can be cited. In the present technology, water is preferably used as the foaming agent among them. The water can be any one of ion-exchanged water, tap water, distilled water, etc.

[0086] As long as the purpose and effects of the present technology are not impaired, the amount of the foaming agent used in the composition for producing polyurethane foam according to the present technology can be freely set. In the present technology, the lower limit of the content of the foaming agent in the composition for producing polyurethane foam is, for example, 0.1 part by mass or more, preferably 0.5 part by mass or more, and more preferably 1 part by mass or more, relative to 100 parts by mass of the polyol. By setting the lower limit of the content of the foaming agent in the composition for producing polyurethane foam within this range, the foamability can be improved, and as a result, polyurethane foam having excellent mechanical properties and appearance can be obtained.

[0087] In the present technology, the upper limit of the content of the foaming agent in the composition for producing polyurethane foam is, for example, 10 parts by mass or less, preferably 8 parts by mass or less, and more preferably 5 parts by mass or less, relative to 100 parts by mass of the polyol. By setting the upper limit of the content of the foaming agent in the composition for producing polyurethane foam within this range, the formation defects caused by excessive foaming can be suppressed, and in addition, it can contribute to cost reduction.

[0088] (5) Catalyst

[0089] The composition for producing polyurethane foam according to the present technology can use a catalyst. As the catalyst that can be used in the present technology, as long as the purpose, function and effects of the present technology are not impaired, one or two or more catalysts that can be used in the production of polyurethane foam can be freely selected and used.

[0090] Examples of the catalyst include tin catalysts such as stannous neodecanoate, dibutyltin dilaurate, and stannous octoate, and metal catalysts (organometallic catalysts) such as phenylmercury propionate and lead octoate. In addition, triethylamine, triethylenediamine (TEDA), tetramethylguanidine, diethanolamine, bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether, N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine, imidazole compounds, dimethylpiperazine, N-methyl-N′-(2-dimethylamino)ethylpiperazine, N-methyl-N′-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine and other piperazine-based amines, N-methylmorpholine, N-ethylmorpholine and other morpholine-based amines, 1,8-diazabicyclo-[5,4,0]-undecene-7 (DBU), 1,5-diazabicyclo-[4,3,0]-nonene-5 (DBN), 1,8-diazabicyclo-[5,3,40]-decene-7 (DBD), 1,4-diazabicyclo-[3,3,0]octene-4 (DBO) and other amines called DBU homologues can also be used. However, among these amine catalysts, tertiary amine catalysts and secondary amine catalysts are preferred, and those having a molecular weight lower than 700 are preferred, those having a molecular weight lower than 500 are more preferred, and those having a molecular weight lower than 300 are further preferred.

[0091] As long as the purpose and effect of the present technology are not impaired, the amount of the catalyst used in the composition for producing polyurethane foam according to the present technology can be freely set. In the present technology, the lower limit value of the content of the catalyst in the composition for producing polyurethane foam is, for example, 0.1 part by mass or more, preferably 0.5 part by mass or more, and more preferably 1 part by mass or more, relative to 100 parts by mass of the polyol. By setting the lower limit value of the content of the catalyst in the composition for producing polyurethane foam within this range, the resinification reaction and the foaming reaction can be promoted. As a result, polyurethane foam with excellent mechanical properties and appearance can be obtained.

[0092] In the present technology, the upper limit value of the content of the catalyst in the composition for producing polyurethane foam is, for example, 30 parts by mass or less, preferably 25 parts by mass or less, and more preferably 20 parts by mass or less, relative to 100 parts by mass of the polyol. By setting the upper limit value of the content of the catalyst in the composition for producing polyurethane foam within this range, the instability of the resinification reaction and the foaming reaction can be prevented, and the balance between the resinification reaction and the foaming reaction can be maintained well. As a result, polyurethane foam with excellent mechanical properties and appearance can be obtained.

[0093] (6)Foam stabilizer

[0094] The composition for producing polyurethane foam according to the present technology can use a foam stabilizer. As the foam stabilizer that can be used in the present technology, as long as the purpose, function and effect of the present technology are not impaired, one or more foam stabilizers that can be used in the production of polyurethane foam can be freely selected and used.

[0095] As the foam stabilizer, for example, silicone-based foam stabilizers, fluorine compound-based foam stabilizers, surfactants, etc. can be cited. As the silicone-based foam stabilizer, substances composed of a silicone oxygen chain main body, substances with a linear structure of a silicone oxygen chain and a polyether chain, branched substances, substances in which the polyether chain is modified by the silicone oxygen chain into a pendant shape, etc. can be cited.

[0096] As long as the purpose and effect of the present technology are not impaired, the amount of the foam stabilizer used in the composition for producing polyurethane foam according to the present technology can be freely set. In the present technology, the lower limit value of the content of the foam stabilizer in the composition for producing polyurethane foam is, for example, 0.1 part by mass or more, preferably 0.3 part by mass or more, and more preferably 0.5 part by mass or more, relative to 100 parts by mass of the polyol. By setting the lower limit value of the content of the foam stabilizer in the composition for producing polyurethane foam within this range, the foaming reaction can be stabilized. As a result, polyurethane foam with excellent mechanical properties and appearance can be obtained.

[0097] In the present technology, the upper limit value of the content of the foam stabilizer in the composition for producing polyurethane foam is, for example, 10 parts by mass or less, preferably 7 parts by mass or less, and more preferably 5 parts by mass or less, relative to 100 parts by mass of the polyol. By setting the upper limit value of the content of the foam stabilizer in the composition for producing polyurethane foam within this range, it is possible to contribute to cost reduction.

[0098] (7) Biodegradation promoter

[0099] The composition for producing polyurethane foam according to the present technology can use a biodegradation promoter. By using a biodegradation promoter, when using biodegradable raw materials as the raw materials of the polyurethane foam according to the present technology, the biodegradability can be improved.

[0100] As the biodegradation promoter that can be used in the present technology, as long as it does not impair the purpose and effects of the present technology, one or more biodegradation promoters that can be used for polyurethane foam can be freely selected and used.

[0101] Examples of the biodegradation promoter include sugars such as glucose, xylose, galactose, maltose, sucrose, chitin, and cellulose; starches; amino acids; peptides; rubbers such as tamarind gum; and lignin.

[0102] As long as it does not impair the purpose and effects of the present technology, the amount of the biodegradation promoter used in the composition for producing polyurethane foam according to the present technology can be freely set. In the present technology, the lower limit value of the content of the biodegradation promoter in the composition for producing polyurethane foam is, for example, 0.1 part by mass or more, preferably 0.5 part by mass or more, and more preferably 1 part by mass or more, relative to 100 parts by mass of the polyol.

[0103] In the present technology, the upper limit value of the content of the biodegradation promoter in the composition for producing polyurethane foam is, for example, 10 parts by mass or less, preferably 7 parts by mass or less, and more preferably 5 parts by mass or less, relative to 100 parts by mass of the polyol.

[0104] (8) Others

[0105] As long as it does not impair the purpose and effects of the present technology, as other components, the composition for producing polyurethane foam according to the present technology can freely select and use one or more various components that can be used for the composition for producing polyurethane foam according to the purpose.

[0106] Examples of the components that can be used in the composition for producing polyurethane foam according to the present technology include flame retardants, stabilizers, plasticizers, colorants, antioxidants, crosslinking agents, antibacterial agents, dispersants, ultraviolet absorbers, etc.

[0107] 3. Method for manufacturing polyurethane foam

[0108] The polyurethane foam according to the present technology can be manufactured by mixing the respective components of the composition for manufacturing polyurethane foam according to the present technology described above to prepare a composition, and subjecting it to a resinification reaction and a foaming reaction. As long as the object and effect of the present technology are not impaired, the methods of the resinification reaction and the foaming reaction can generally be freely combined and employed.

[0109] In the method for manufacturing the polyurethane foam according to the present technology, foaming can also be carried out by either slab foaming or mold foaming. Slab foaming is a method in which the composition for manufacturing polyurethane foam (raw material of polyurethane foam) is mixed and discharged onto a belt conveyor, and foamed at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. On the other hand, mold foaming is a method in which the composition for manufacturing polyurethane foam (raw material of polyurethane foam) is mixed and injected into the cavity of a mold (die), and foamed into the shape of the cavity. In the present technology, from the viewpoint of easy manufacturing, mold foaming is preferably employed. As described above, in the present technology, by using a primary amine, even when a large amount of raw materials derived from biomass are used, mold forming can be carried out.

[0110] [Second Embodiment]

[0111] 1. Composition for manufacturing polyurethane foam

[0112] The composition for manufacturing polyurethane foam according to the present technology contains a polyol and an isocyanate derived from biomass. In addition, as needed, it can contain a primary amine, a foaming agent, a catalyst, a foam stabilizer, a biodegradation promoter, etc. Hereinafter, each component will be described in detail. In addition, the detailed content of the primary amine, the foaming agent, the catalyst, the foam stabilizer, and the biodegradation promoter is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

[0113] (1)Polyol

[0114] The present technology can freely select and use one or more polyols that can be used for the manufacture of polyurethane foam. As the polyol, for example, polyester polyol, polycarbonate polyol, polyester ether polyol, polycaprolactone polyol, polylactic acid polyol, etc. can be cited.

[0115] As the polyether polyol, for example, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polytetramethylene ether glycol, etc. obtained by polymerizing cyclic ethers such as ethylene oxide and propylene oxide respectively, and their copolymers, etc. can be cited. In addition, glycerol, trimethylolethane and other polyols can also be used to polymerize the cyclic ethers. In addition, as the polyether polyol, commercially available products can also be used.

[0116] In addition, as the polyether polyol, polymer polyol can be used. The polymer polyol refers to a substance obtained by polymerizing an ethylenically unsaturated monomer in a polyether polyol, or a substance obtained by emulsifying and dispersing a polymer of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer in a polyether polyol, etc. Specifically, for example, a substance obtained by graft polymerization of acrylonitrile, styrene, etc. with a polyether polyol, a substance obtained by dispersing polystyrene, polyacrylonitrile in a polyether polyol, etc. can be cited.

[0117] As the polyester polyol, for example, polyester polyols obtained by dehydration condensation reaction of aliphatic dicarboxylic acids such as succinic acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, azelaic acid; aliphatic carboxylic acids such as linolenic acid; aromatic dicarboxylic acids such as phthalic acid, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, naphthalene dicarboxylic acid; alicyclic dicarboxylic acids such as hexahydrophthalic acid, hexahydroterephthalic acid, hexahydroisophthalic acid; or their acid esters or acid anhydrides with ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol, neopentyl glycol, 1,8-octanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, etc. or their mixtures can be cited; polycaprolactone polyols, polycaprolactone polyols, etc. obtained by ring-opening polymerization of lactone monomers such as ε-caprolactone, methylvalerolactone. In addition, in addition to these, as the polyester polyol, for example, polyols having ester groups derived from nature can be cited.

[0118] As the polycarbonate polyol, for example, a substance obtained by reacting at least one of polyols such as ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol, neopentyl glycol, 1,8-octanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, diethylene glycol with diethyl carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, etc. can be cited.

[0119] As the polyester ether polyol, for example, a substance obtained by dehydration condensation reaction of aliphatic dicarboxylic acids such as succinic acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, azelaic acid; aromatic dicarboxylic acids such as phthalic acid, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, naphthalene dicarboxylic acid; alicyclic dicarboxylic acids such as hexahydrophthalic acid, hexahydroterephthalic acid, hexahydroisophthalic acid; or their acid esters or acid anhydrides with diethylene glycol or diols such as propylene oxide adducts, or their mixtures can be cited.

[0120] In the present technology, as the polyol, polyols derived from biomass are preferably used. As long as the functions and effects of the present technology are not impaired, polyols derived from biomass that can be used in the present technology can be freely selected and used one or more than two polyols derived from biomass that can be used in the manufacture of polyurethane foam.

[0121] As polyols derived from biomass that can be used in the present technology, for example, polyols derived from natural oils can be cited. Polyols derived from natural oils refer to natural oils such as castor oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, coconut oil, etc. or their derivatives (modified natural oil polyols, unmodified natural oil polyols, etc.), and contain hydroxyl groups on the hydrocarbon chain, and have two or more hydroxyl groups in one molecule. In the present technology, two or more of the above can be used in combination. As other polyols derived from biomass, for example, polyols derived from corn, polyols derived from cashew nut shell liquid, etc. can be cited. In addition, as polyols derived from biomass, commercially available products can also be used.

[0122] Among them, in the present technology, castor oil is preferably used. "Castor oil" includes any one of unmodified castor oil, modified castor oil, dehydrated castor oil, hydrogenated castor oil, etc. More specifically, it is preferable to use the castor oil-based polyol represented by the above chemical formula (1).

[0123] In the composition for producing polyurethane foam according to the present technology, as the content of polyols derived from biomass relative to 100 parts by mass of polyols, for example, it is 45 parts by mass or more, preferably 65 parts by mass or more, more preferably 85 parts by mass or more, and further preferably 95 parts by mass or more. By setting the content of polyols derived from biomass relative to 100 parts by mass of polyols within this range, the effect of reducing the environmental load can be improved.

[0124] In the composition for producing polyurethane foam according to the present technology, as long as the functions and effects of the present technology are not impaired, the upper limit of the content of polyols derived from biomass relative to 100 parts by mass of polyols is not particularly limited. If considering reducing the environmental load, it is preferable to use all polyols derived from biomass. As the upper limit of the content of polyols derived from biomass relative to 100 parts by mass of polyols, for example, it can be set to 100 parts by mass or less, 90 parts by mass or less, 85 parts by mass or less, 80 parts by mass or less, 75 parts by mass or less, 70 parts by mass or less, etc.

[0125] In the present technology, considering the environment, biodegradable polyols can also be used. The details of the biodegradable polyols are the same as those of the biodegradable polyols used in the above first embodiment, so the description is omitted here.

[0126] (2)Isocyanates Derived from Biomass

[0127] The composition for producing polyurethane foam of the second embodiment is characterized in that isocyanates derived from biomass are used as isocyanates. By using isocyanates derived from biomass, the biomass degree of the produced polyurethane foam can be improved, and it can contribute to reducing the environmental load.

[0128] As the isocyanate derived from biomass, as long as the functions and effects of the present technology are not impaired, one or more isocyanates derived from biomass that can be used in the production of polyurethane foam can be freely selected. For example, 1,5-pentamethylene diisocyanate (PDI), lysine triisocyanate (LTI (2,6-Diisocyanato hexanoic acid 2-isocyanatoethyl ester)), lysine diisocyanate (LDI (Hexanoic acid, 2,6-diisocyanato)), dimer acid diisocyanate (DDI (3,4-dihexyl-5-(10-isocyanatodec-1-en-1-yl)-6-(8-isocyanatooctyl)cyclohex-1-ene)), etc. can be cited. Among them, in the present technology, 1,5-PDI isocyanurate represented by the above chemical formula (4), which is a trimer of 1,5-pentamethylene diisocyanate (PDI), and lysine triisocyanate (LTI (2,6-Diisocyanato hexanoic acid 2-isocyanatoethyl ester)) represented by the above chemical formula (5) are preferably selected.

[0129] In the present technology, in addition to the isocyanate derived from biomass, other isocyanates derived from petroleum, etc. that are commonly used can also be used in combination. The details of other isocyanates are the same as those of the isocyanates that can be used in the above first embodiment, so the description is omitted here.

[0130] In the composition for producing polyurethane foam according to the present technology, the content of the isocyanate derived from biomass relative to 100 parts by mass of the isocyanate is, for example, 40 parts by mass or more, preferably 45 parts by mass or more, more preferably 50 parts by mass or more, and further preferably 55 parts by mass or more. By setting the content of the isocyanate derived from biomass relative to 100 parts by mass of the isocyanate within this range, the effect of reducing the environmental load can be enhanced.

[0131] In the composition for producing polyurethane foam according to the present technology, as long as the functions and effects of the present technology are not impaired, the upper limit of the content of the isocyanate derived from biomass relative to 100 parts by mass of the isocyanate is not particularly limited. Considering the reduction of the environmental load, it is preferred to use only the isocyanate derived from biomass. As the upper limit of the content of the isocyanate derived from biomass relative to 100 parts by mass of the isocyanate, for example, it can be set to 100 parts by mass or less, 90 parts by mass or less, 85 parts by mass or less, 80 parts by mass or less, 75 parts by mass or less, 70 parts by mass or less, etc.

[0132] In addition, the amount of isocyanate derived from biomass used in the present technology can be adjusted to be the amount of isocyanate and the isocyanate index described in the above first embodiment. Additionally, when used in combination with other isocyanates, adjustment is also made considering the amount of other isocyanates.

[0133] 2. Polyurethane foam

[0134] The polyurethane foam of the second embodiment is a polyurethane foam produced using the composition for producing a polyurethane foam of the above second embodiment.

[0135] The biodegradability of the polyurethane foam according to the second embodiment is not particularly limited. However, similar to the polyurethane foam according to the above first embodiment, in the biodegradability test of ISO 14885-2, the biodegradability after 45 days is preferably 15% or less, and the biodegradability after 180 days is preferably 30% or more.

[0136] As long as the functions and effects of the present technology are not impaired, the biomass content of the polyurethane foam according to the present technology can be freely set. The lower limit of the biomass content of the polyurethane foam according to the present technology is, for example, 20% or more, preferably 25% or more, more preferably 30% or more, further preferably 35% or more, and particularly preferably 40% or more. The higher the biomass content of the polyurethane foam according to the present technology, the more it can contribute to the environment. Therefore, there is no limit to the upper limit of the biomass content.

[0137] In addition, in the present technology, the "biomass content" is a value calculated using the following formula.

[0138] Biomass content (%) = {((biomass material weight × biomass content of biomass material / 100) / total raw material weight)} × 100

[0139] In addition, other properties and uses such as the hardness and density of the polyurethane foam according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the polyurethane foam according to the above first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

[0140] 3. Method for manufacturing polyurethane foam

[0141] The polyurethane foam according to the second embodiment can be produced by mixing the components of the composition for producing a polyurethane foam according to the second embodiment to prepare a composition, and subjecting it to a resinification reaction and a foaming reaction. The detailed content of the manufacturing method is the same as that of the manufacturing method of the polyurethane foam according to the above first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

[0142] Examples

[0143] Hereinafter, the present technology will be further described in detail based on examples. In addition, the examples described below represent an example of a representative embodiment of the present technology, and the scope of the present technology will not be narrowly interpreted thereby.

[0144] In addition, unless otherwise noted, the respective materials used in this embodiment are as follows.

[0145] Polypropylene glycol-based polyol derived from petroleum: Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd. "KC737"

[0146] Polycaprolactone-based polyol 1 derived from petroleum: Daicel Corporation "PLACCEL308"

[0147] Polycaprolactone-based polyol 2 derived from petroleum: Daicel Corporation "PLACCEL205U"

[0148] Refined castor oil (triglyceride ricinoleate) derived from biomass: Ito Oil Co., Ltd. "H-30"

[0149] Sebacic acid-based ester polyol derived from biomass: Ito Oil Co., Ltd. "SE-2013C"

[0150] Polyetheramine derived from petroleum: Mitsui Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd. "T5000"

[0151] Tin neodecanoate: Nitto Kasei Co., Ltd. "NEOSTANN U50"

[0152] TEDA (triethylenediamine): Evonik Japan Co., Ltd. "DABCO CRYSTAL"

[0153] DBU (1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene): San-Apro Co., Ltd. "U-CAT SA-102"

[0154] 1,2-dimethylimidazole (70%) + EG (30%): Evonik Japan Co., Ltd. "DABCO 2040"

[0155] Silicone-based foam stabilizer: Evonik Japan Co., Ltd. "B-8742LF2" (Comparative Examples 1 to 4, Example 4, 6), Momentive Performance Materials Japan Co., Ltd. "L594plus" (Examples 1 to 3, 5, 7, 8)

[0156] Diphenylmethane diisocyanate: Tosoh Corporation's "Millionate NM"

[0157] Hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) trimer: Asahi Kasei Corporation's "Duranate TLA-100"

[0158] Pentamethylene diisocyanate (PDI) trimer: Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.'s "STABiO D-376N"

[0159] <Experimental Example 1>

[0160] In Experimental Example 1, the biodegradability of the polyurethane foam was investigated.

[0161] (1)Manufacture of polyurethane foam

[0162] After preparing a composition by mixing the respective raw materials shown in Table 1 below, first, it was injected into a foaming box (open state without a lid) to freely foam, and the reactivity and foam formability (appearance, foam state) were confirmed. Next, after preparing a composition by mixing the respective raw materials shown in Table 1 below, it was transferred to a mold to foam, thereby manufacturing each polyurethane foam.

[0163] (2)Biodegradability test

[0164] The manufactured polyurethane foam was subjected to a biodegradability test using the following method.

[0165] [Soil burial test]

[0166] 4 kg of chicken manure compost, 1 kg of cow manure compost, 20 g of superphosphate, and 100 g of bacterial strains were mixed to prepare compost. After adding water and mixing at a weight ratio of compost:water = 1:1, it was covered and cultured at room temperature for 24 hours, and then cultured at 58 °C for 24 hours. When the mature compost after culturing had a weight loss due to water evaporation, water was supplemented to adjust the water content to 50 - 75%. In addition, when the pH was above 9, it was neutralized with acetic acid to adjust the pH to 7 - 9, thereby preparing mature compost.

[0167] Test pieces (100×150×20 mm) of the manufactured polyurethane foam were mixed into the prepared mature compost at a weight ratio of mature compost:test piece = 15:1 (dry weight ratio 6:1), and placed at 58 °C in a state sealed with a plug. The weight and pH were confirmed regularly. When there was a weight loss due to water evaporation, water was supplemented to adjust the water content to always be 50 - 75%. When there was a reduction in the compost, a mixture of vermiculite and water (weight ratio 1:1) was added. In addition, when the pH was above 9, it was neutralized with acetic acid to adjust the pH to always be 7 - 9, and internal stirring was performed more than once a week.

[0168] Forty-five days after the test piece was buried, the test piece was taken out while carefully disintegrating it. After washing off the attached soil and the like with water, it was dried in a constant temperature bath at 60 °C for 24 hours, and the weight loss rate was calculated using the following formula.

[0169] {(Weight before burial - Weight after 45 days) / (Weight before burial)} × 100 = Weight loss rate (%)

[0170] [Degree of biodegradation]

[0171] In accordance with ISO 14855-2, the degree of biodegradation of Example 1, Comparative Examples 1 and 2, and Example 5 produced in Experimental Example 2 described below was measured for 180 days.

[0172] (3) Results

[0173] The results are shown in Table 1 below. In addition, the time-course change of the degree of biodegradation for 180 days is shown in the Figure 1 chart.

[0174] [Table 1]

[0175]

[0176] <Experimental Example 2>

[0177] In Experimental Example 2, the effects of different raw materials used in the production of polyurethane foam on various physical properties were investigated.

[0178] (1) Production of polyurethane foam

[0179] After preparing a composition by mixing the respective raw materials shown in Table 2 below, it was transferred to a mold to cause foaming, thereby producing each polyurethane foam.

[0180] (2) Evaluation

[0181] The following method was used to evaluate the various physical properties of the produced polyurethane foam.

[0182] [Reactivity]

[0183] After preparing a composition by mixing the respective raw materials shown in Table 2 below, it was injected into a foaming box (open without a lid) to cause free foaming, and the rise time was confirmed.

[0184] ×: The rise time exceeded 180 seconds, or the state where the thickening was insufficient and the bubbles disappeared without foaming.

[0185] △: The rise time was 120 to 180 seconds.

[0186] ○: The rise time was less than 120 seconds.

[0187] [Foam shape]

[0188] After preparing the composition by mixing the raw materials shown in Table 2 below, it was poured into a foaming box (open state without a lid) and allowed to foam freely, and the state of the foam was confirmed.

[0189] ×: When the foam is foamed and formed, the foam drops, or there are cracks in the appearance, and the appearance is poor. Or, the cells on the cut surface inside the foam are rough.

[0190] △: When the foam is foamed and formed, it is slightly deformed.

[0191] ○: The foamability, appearance, and cells of the foam are all substantially uniform and good.

[0192] [Density]

[0193] After the model was formed, the density was measured for a sample cut into a 100 mm square × 20 mm thickness based on JIS K7222:2005.

[0194] [Hardness]

[0195] Measurement was carried out using an ASKER rubber hardness tester, type F.

[0196] (3)Results

[0197] The results are shown in Table 2 below.

[0198] [Table 2]

[0199]

[0200] (4)Discussion

[0201] As shown in Table 2, in Examples 6 to 8 using an ester-based polyol from biomass, there is a tendency for the reactivity to decrease, but as shown in Examples 2, 4, and 5, by using a primary amine, the reactivity is increased. In addition, as shown in Example 3, as the polyol, by using a polycaprolactone-based polyol and an ester-based polyol from biomass in combination, the reactivity can also be increased.

[0202] Moreover, by using an isocyanate from biomass, the biomass content can be increased to 75%.

Claims

1. A polyurethane foam having a biodegradation degree of 15% or less after 45 days and 30% or more after 180 days in the biodegradation degree test of ISO 14885-2.

2. The polyurethane foam according to claim 1, which uses an ester-based polyol derived from biomass as a raw material.

3. The polyurethane foam according to claim 1 or 2, which uses a primary amine as a raw material.

4. A composition for producing a polyurethane foam, which contains: a polyol; and an isocyanate derived from biomass.

5. The composition for producing a polyurethane foam according to claim 4, wherein the polyol contains a polyol derived from biomass.

6. A polyurethane foam formed by using the composition for producing a polyurethane foam according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The polyurethane foam according to claim 6, having a biomass content of 50% or more.

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