Abstract: Bio-based polymer precursors and non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPU) and non-isocyanate polyurethane foams (NIPUF) that can be formed from the precursors, as well as methods for the synthesis of the precursors and the polyurethane products are described. The bio-based polymer precursors are formed through functionalization of a bio-based polyol, e.g., lignin, with cyclic carbonates. The bio-based polyol starting materials need not be pre-processed and can include Kraft lignin. NIPU/NIPUF can be synthesized through a ring opening curing reaction of cyclic carbonates of the bio-based polyol precursor with diamines. The carbonates and diamines can include non-toxic bio-based carbonates.

Abstract: In general, the present disclosure is directed to a soyhull-based activated carbon. The soyhull-based activated carbon comprises a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area of from about 750 m2/g to about 2900 m2/g and a micropore volume of from about 0.50 cm3/g to about 1.2 cm3/g.

Abstract: Disclosed are bio-based poly(urethane amide) polymers and methods for forming the polymers. The bio-based polymers can be synthesized through a ring opening reaction between bio-based cyclocarbonated polymers that include aromatic and/or cyclic functionality within the polymer and oligomeric polyamides. The cyclocarbonated polymers can be based on bio-based polyols, e.g., lignin or lignin-based polyols, and/or other aromatic or cyclic bio-based polyols. The oligomeric polyamides can be formed by reaction of one or more diamines, which can include bio-based diamines, and one or more dicarboxylic acids, which can include bio-based dicarboxylic acids.