How Bio-based PU is Produced

The fundamental manufacturing process of bio-based PU follows the same reaction mechanism as traditional polyurethane: it is formed through the chemical reaction between isocyanates and polyols. The critical difference lies in the source of polyols-for bio-based PU, polyols are extracted from natural, renewable resources rather than petroleum.

Common types of bio-based polyols include those derived from vegetable oils (e.g., castor oil, corn oil) and lignocellulosic biomass (plant-based materials rich in cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin). Among these, castor oil stands out as a widely used option, primarily because it naturally contains hydroxyl groups-functional groups that are essential for the reaction with isocyanates, eliminating the need for additional complex chemical modification steps.