Abstract: Modified lignin products, processes for making them, and their use to produce rigid polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foams are disclosed. The processes comprise heating a lignin source with a nitrogen source and a starved concentration of a C1-C5 aldehyde to give a reaction mixture comprising a Mannich condensation product, neutralizing the reaction mixture, and isolating the modified lignin product. The process is performed at a mass ratio of lignin source to nitrogen source within the range of 1:1 to 1:5 and at a molar ratio of nitrogen source to C1-C5 aldehyde within the range of 3.5:1 to 1:1. Polyol blends and performance additives that contain the modified lignin products are described. Rigid foams that process well and incorporate up to 60 wt. %, based on the amount of polyol component, of the modified lignin contribute to excellent flame retardancy and low-temperature R-value performance.

Abstract: Soy-based high temperature products, or thermoset resins, are produced by solvent free polymerization of soy polyols and polyisocyanates at room temperature. The ratio of isocyanate equivalents to polyol equivalent used in the synthesis is greater than or equal to 3. The invented soy-based products are polyisocyanurate solid materials with excellent stability at high temperature. Heat resistance of the material is influenced by ratio of soy polyol and polyisocyanate.

Abstract: Soy-based high temperature products, or thermoset resins, are produced by solvent free polymerization of soy polyols and polyisocyanates at room temperature. The ratio of isocyanate equivalents to polyol equivalent used in the synthesis is greater than or equal to 3. The invented soy-based products are polyisocyanurate solid materials with excellent stability at high temperature. Heat resistance of the material is influenced by ratio of soy polyol and polyisocyanate.

Abstract: Soy-based high temperature products, or thermoset resins, are produced by solvent free polymerization of soy polyols and polyisocyanates at room temperature. The ratio of isocyanate equivalents to polyol equivalent used in the synthesis is greater than or equal to 3. The invented soy-based products are polyisocyanurate solid materials with excellent stability at high temperature. Heat resistance of the material is influenced by ratio of soy polyol and polyisocyanate.

Abstract: Methods of one-pot synthesis of high molecular weight natural oil polyols having a functionality of at least two are provided. The resultant polyols may be directly reacted with polyisocyanates to produce polyurethanes.

Abstract: Methods of coupling plant oil based polyols so as to synthesis high molecular weight plant oil polyols having a hydroxyl number between from about 40 to about 60. The resultant polyols may be directly reacted with polyisocyanates to produce polyurethanes.

Abstract: Methods of coupling plant oil based polyols so as to synthesis high molecular weight plant oil polyols having a hydroxyl number between from about 40 to about 60. The resultant polyols may be directly reacted with polyisocyanates to produce polyurethanes.

Abstract: Methods of producing a hybrid petro-plant oil polyol having a high bio-content by coupling a petro-chemical polyol with a plant oil based polyol is provided, including coupling an intermediate petro-polyol prepolymer with a plant oil polyol so as to synthesize a hybrid petro-plant oil polyol having a high bio-content and a hydroxyl number of between about 50 and 60.