RESEARCHERS of the Mindanao State University in Iligan collaborated with the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development to produce polyols and polyurethanes.

They converted plant-based raw material and its waste by-products into “valuable and renewable” polyols and polyurethanes that will be used for the commercial production of coatings, insulation, and packing foam materials.

PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit said their main goal is to fully harness the potentials of science, technology, and innovation.

“We will constantly provide new opportunities and invest in more efficient and environmentally sustainable greener technologies to build a more livable community,” he added.

The team employs an environment-friendly process, according to Dr. Arnold Lubguban of MSU’s BioProducts Research Laboratories.

“One of our innovations provides baseline data and methods for the commercialization of biomass-based polyols (Phase 1) and polyurethane foam insulation sheets (Phase 2) through an environmentally friendly process that is also characterized by reduced production costs because the raw materials are readily available by-products or waste products,” he said.

This year, the project team will focus on the pilot scaling and optimization of bio-based polyols to about 40 liters for PU insulation, coatings and packing applications.