Some properties of the biomass polyols from liquefactions of banknote paper (BP) and pulp paper (PP), and the application of these polyols to the preparation of polyurethane foam have been studied. Rigid polyurethane foams have been prepared successfully from the biomass polyols. The foams have densities of about 40 kg/m~3, compressive strengths of 150 kPa, and elastic modulus of 4 MPa, being comparable to those of conventional rigid polyurethane foams. The biomass composition in biomass polyol has significant influence on the properties of the resulting foams. Furthermore, the foams were found, to some extent, biodegradable.

Key words: BAST FIBRE, FIBERS, POLYURETHANE, FOAM MATERIALS, MODULUS OF ELASTICITY, BIOLOGICAL DEGRADATION