Several types of polyols can be produced by MPOB’s pilot plant (800 kg capacity per batch). The polyols are obtained by reacting epoxidized palm oil with a short-chain alcohol, such as glycerol or ethylene glycol. These polyols can then be reacted with suitable isocyanates to give a variety of polyurethane (PU) products. The PU products can be rigid, semi-rigid or flexible and are suitable for industrial sectors like building industry, furniture, decorative and automotive parts (Figure 1). To date, MPOB has produced products like ceiling panels, sandwich boards for wall panelling, dry flora foam, thermal insulator for freezers and flexible soft foam for furniture and others.

Main Research: Tuan Noor Maznee Tuan Ismail