Feasibility of rPET Lignin-Content Polylols for Significant Reduction of Halogenated Flame Retardant in Construction Spray Foam

This EPA SBIR Phase I Research and Development proposal will demonstrate feasibility of reduction in halogenated flame retardant use in polyisocyanurate foams prepared from lignincontent rPET polyols. The study will show whether or not the lignin rPET polyol formulations meet ASTM flame retardancy standards and thus reduce or eliminate the need for halogenated fire retardants (HFRs) in spray foams used for insulation in interior building construction._x000D_ _x000D_ The Resinate novel material may reduce harmful environmental toxins that studies show affect human health. Since their introduction in the 1970’s, halogenated flame retardant chemicals have become widespread global contaminants. In humans, these substances are associated with abnormalities (Meeker & Stapleton 2009), diabetes (Lim et al. 2008), thyroid dysregulation (Turyk et al. 2008, Meeker et al. 2009), cognitive changes (Roze et al. 2009, Herbstman et al. 2010), and cryptorchidism (Main et al. 2007.)_x000D_ _x000D_ Lignin is the second most abundantbiorenewable agricultural material on earth and is often discarded as waste material from pulp and paper production. The research may result in greater than 90% of recycled and biorenewable content in spray foam market applications without the use of halogenated flame retardants in addition to biobased content that meets the USDA Biopreferred labeling standards.