Filipino researchers develop coconut oil-based polyol for polyurethane foams

The material, called COCOpolyol, has been developed by scientists at the university’s Center for Sustainable Polymers as a potential alternative to petrochemical-based polyols typically used in PU manufacturing. Conventional formulations rely heavily on fossil-derived raw materials.

According to the research team, the new polyol is synthesized from crude coconut oil, a resource that is abundant in the Philippines. By using locally sourced renewable feedstocks, the technology aims to reduce reliance on petroleum-based materials while creating higher-value uses for agricultural products.

The researchers say the material can be tailored during formulation to suit different polyurethane foam systems. These include rigid foams, viscoelastic foams, and other specialty PU materials.

For rigid polyurethane foams, COCOpolyol is designed to deliver the thermal insulation and structural strength required for products such as insulation panels and refrigerator components. In viscoelastic foam formulations, the material can be used in applications requiring pressure-responsive properties, including mattresses and pillows.

The researchers have also explored specialty foam formulations based on the coconut-derived polyol. Examples include superoleophilic foams, which preferentially absorb oil and could be used in environmental remediation applications such as oil-spill cleanup, and superhydrophobic foams designed for moisture-resistant insulation.

The MSU-IIT team said the development highlights the potential for converting locally available renewable resources into higher-value polymer materials. The researchers note that wider commercial adoption will depend on further collaboration with industry partners and continued support for scaling up the technology.

MSU-IIT