Effects of Coconut Husk and Corn Cob as Fillers in Flexible Polyurethane Foam

Abstract

The effects of local materials as fillers incorporated into the flexible polyether foam recipes were investigated. The fillers; coconut husk and corn cob of mesh sizes of 150 µm respectively were mixed in the ratio of 50:50. Varying percentages of the mixed fillers, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% were mixed with polyether foam recipes in the appropriate formulations and physico-mechanical tests were carried out on the samples. Density and compression set showed an increasing trend with increase in the filler. Elongation at break and tensile strength showed a decrease in the value as the filler load was increasing. Hardness showed a slight random variation in the value as the filler load increased. Thermal conductivity also showed a decrease in its value as the filler load increased that means it can serve as a fire retardant. All these properties were compared to a controlled sample (sample without filler). These fillers can be used in the production of polyurethane foams since they are organic materials, thus they can enhance the biodegradability of polyurethane products and be use also as flame retardants.

Impact of filler and gelling catalyst/agent on properties of flexible polyurethane foam

“…9 Functional fillers can enhance mechanical characteristics, electrical conductivity, sound absorption, thermal insulation, fire resistance, and sensitivity to fungus. 10 The mechanical performance of filler composites is influenced by the filler loading percentage, particle size of filler, and position of the filler aggregation, which can be either within the cell or adhered to the struts of the cell structure. 10,11 Fillers can increase foam density and lower total costs, expanding the application range of traditional PU foams.…”

“…10 The mechanical performance of filler composites is influenced by the filler loading percentage, particle size of filler, and position of the filler aggregation, which can be either within the cell or adhered to the struts of the cell structure. 10,11 Fillers can increase foam density and lower total costs, expanding the application range of traditional PU foams. Inorganic fillers that are generally inert by nature, such as talc, barium sulfate, and calcium carbonate, are added to foam formulations to enhance mechanical properties like density or hardness and reduce economical costs of the final product.…”

“…Fillers may also affect phase separation due to thermodynamic incompatibility or interference with the hydrogen bonding network 9 . Functional fillers can enhance mechanical characteristics, electrical conductivity, sound absorption, thermal insulation, fire resistance, and sensitivity to fungus 10 . The mechanical performance of filler composites is influenced by the filler loading percentage, particle size of filler, and position of the filler aggregation, which can be either within the cell or adhered to the struts of the cell structure 10,11 .…”

Effect of milled fish scale powder reinforcement on physical properties of ether‐based polyurethane foam composite

“…While previous studies have investigated the reinforcement of PUF with natural fibers, 11 there is a gap in the literature regarding the effect of reinforcement milled fish scale powder (MFSP) on the physical properties of PUF‐based composites under different temperature conditions. Most of the previous studies have focused on the use of other natural fibers such walnut and hazelnuts shells, 5 hemp fibers, 12 and coconut husk and corn cob 13 . There is limited research on the use of MFSP.…”

“…Most of the previous studies have focused on the use of other natural fibers such walnut and hazelnuts shells, 5 hemp fibers, 12 and coconut husk and corn cob. 13 There is limited research on the use of MFSP. Moreover, the effect of temperature on the physical properties of PUF-based composites reinforced with MFSP has not been extensively studied.…”