Grantee Research Project Results
Feasibility of rPET Lignin-Content Polylols for Significant Reduction of Halogenated Flame Retardant in Construction Spray Foam
EPA Contract Number: 68HE0D18C0015Title: Feasibility of rPET Lignin-Content Polylols for Significant Reduction of Halogenated Flame Retardant in Construction Spray Foam
Investigators: Tabor, Rick
Small Business: Resinate Materials Group
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: October 1, 2018 through March 31, 2019
Project Amount: $91,661
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2018) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) , SBIR – Sustainable Materials Management
Description:
This EPA SBIR Phase I Research and Development proposal will demonstrate feasibility of reduction
in halogenated flame retardant use in polyisocyanurate foams prepared from lignin- content 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.
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.}
Lignin is the second most abundant biorenewable 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.
Supplemental Keywords:
flame retardants, technology, constructionProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.