What is it about?

This study shows how carbon dioxide (CO₂), a major greenhouse gas, can be used as a building block to make new types of foam materials. Scientists developed a method to combine CO₂ with a chemical called propylene oxide, using a special catalyst, to produce soft materials called polyethercarbonate polyols. These materials can be turned into mattresses, cushions, and other flexible foams. The foams made with CO₂ perform just as well as traditional products but help lower the environmental footprint of manufacturing. This approach offers a promising way to turn waste CO₂ into useful everyday products.

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Why is it important?

This research offers a new way to turn carbon dioxide, a major contributor to climate change, into valuable materials for mattresses and flexible foams. By using CO₂ as a raw material, the method not only reduces industrial dependence on fossil fuels but also cuts down the carbon footprint of foam production. The CO₂-based materials perform just as well as conventional ones, making it easier for industries to adopt greener manufacturing without sacrificing quality. This breakthrough could help shift large-scale industries toward more sustainable practices.

Perspectives

This work represents a true collaboration between academic research and industrial innovation. It was a great experience to work closely with our industrial partners, whose expertise and drive helped turn an ambitious idea into a practical reality. Together, we showed that CO₂, often seen only as a waste product, can become a valuable resource for creating everyday materials. I believe this project is just the beginning — by combining scientific creativity with industrial know-how, we can open new pathways toward a more sustainable and climate-positive future. I hope this article inspires more partnerships like ours to rethink how chemistry can serve both people and the planet.

Prof. Dr. Thomas Ernst Müller
Ruhr-Universitat Bochum

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Carbon dioxide (CO2) as sustainable feedstock for polyurethane production, Green Chemistry, January 2014, Royal Society of Chemistry,
DOI: 10.1039/c3gc41788c.
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