The Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry congratulates Professor Ning Yan’s postdoctoral student Cheng Hao on receiving the Best Paper Award at the 2025 Polyurethanes Technical Conference (PolyCon 2025), hosted by the Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) in St. Louis, Missouri, from October 6–8, 2025.
Hao’s presentation, “Lignin-Derived Flame Retardant for Enhancing Fire Safety of Polyurethanes,” was recognized for its innovation and industrial relevance among nearly 700 professionals from across the global polyurethane sector.
The work introduces a sustainable, bio-based flame retardant derived from lignin—an abundant biomass by-product—functionalized with nitrogen and phosphorus and engineered into nano-spheres compatible with polyurethane systems. The resulting additive enhances fire resistance, char formation, mechanical strength, and aging stability, offering a greener alternative to traditional halogenated flame retardants.
This achievement underscores the department’s growing leadership in sustainable polymer innovation and the global impact of U of T research in advancing environmentally responsible materials for industry.
For more information about the 2025 Polyurethanes Technical Conference, visit the American Chemistry Council’s Center for the Polyurethanes Industry.