POLYMAT and EHU develop a new approach to polymer foams

Researchers at POLYMAT and the University of the Basque Country (EHU) have developed a new approach to producing polymer foams using amino acid-derived N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs) as blowing agents. These compounds generate carbon dioxide directly within the polymer mixture, creating the cellular structure characteristic of foams.

The technology offers a versatile, isocyanate-free foaming approach that can be adapted to different polymer systems. Potential applications include insulation, packaging, automotive components and lightweight materials.

The invention was developed by Haritz Sardon Muguruza, Guillem Seychal and Gabriel Perli within the Catalysis and Sustainable Polymers research group, led by Haritz Sardon. It was published on 1 October 2026 as international patent application WO2026201974 A1, entitled Use of N-carboxyanhydrides as blowing agent for polymer foam production.

The publication represents another step in POLYMAT’s efforts to translate advances in polymer chemistry into technologies with industrial potential.