New Closed- and Open-Cell, Aldehyde-Free Protein Foams
Abstract
New aldehyde-free and isocyanate-free biofoams have been obtained by reacting albumin chicken egg white
and dimethyl carbonate (DMC). The optimized formulations yielded lightweight foams whose densities were
evaluated as 0.016–0.16 g/cm3. Mechanical resistance was 0.023–0.34 MPa and residual pH nearly neutral.
The new foams presented up to 57% of closed cells as measured by helium pycnometry and good thermal
insulation. These new natural foams are environmentally friendly materials and show very promising
properties.