Structure and properties of rigid foams derived from quebracho tannin

• The first insulating foams based on quebracho tannin are presented.
• The corresponding tannin, though not identical, behaves as mimosa tannin.
• The resultant foams properties are rather similar, unlike those derived from pine.
• Quebracho tannin is much more available than mimosa and pine tannins.
• Quebracho foams present the highest performances at high density.

The first highly porous organic rigid foams based on condensed tannin extracted from quebracho tree (Schinopsis sp.) are reported. Samples having different densities have been prepared and characterised. Their porous structure and physical properties have been compared with those of foams prepared in similar conditions but based on mimosa or pine tannins. We show that the properties of quebracho foams are comparable, and in some cases better, than those made from other tannins. Quebracho and mimosa present very similar behaviours, attributed to the fact that the corresponding flavonoid units have identical reactive A-rings. In contrast, pine foams behave differently, due to their different A-ring. The results indicate that quebracho is thus an excellent alternative to mimosa for producing thermally insulating tannin foams presenting good mechanical performances.