Student develops wood-based foam as sustainable cooler insulation

Researchers at the University of Maine are exploring a novel wood-based foam as a replacement for polyurethane, a petroleum-based insulation commonly found in beverage coolers. Quazeem Tiamiyu, a master's student in the School of Forest Resources, is leading the development of this bio-based alternative, aiming to reduce the health and environmental risks associated with polyurethane.

Polyurethane foam is derived from nonrenewable resources, degrades slowly, and can contaminate ecosystems. Furthermore, its raw chemical components are toxic and carcinogenic, posing significant health risks, including respiratory diseases and skin irritation, to workers who handle them. Tiamiyu's research focuses on creating an environmentally friendly insulation solution using readily available wood byproducts.

The newly developed foam consists of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs), wood fiber, finely ground wood flour, and a surfactant. CNFs, produced by breaking down wood pulp into extremely thin fibers, act as a binder and stabilizer, forming strong structures within the wood fiber and flour mixture. The University of Maine's Process Development Center, a leading facility for CNF production in the U.S., supports this material development.

Tiamiyu mixes these ingredients to create the foam, which is then poured into molds shaped like cooler inserts. After draining and drying the water, the foam is encased in a protective shell. Initial tests indicate that the wood-based foam's insulating properties are nearly identical to those of polyurethane. However, challenges remain in matching polyurethane's mechanical strength and developing an efficient encapsulation process, as Tiamiyu's wet-processed foam requires drying and fitting, unlike the liquid injection method used for polyurethane.