Investigation of the Mechanical Properties of Flexible Polyether Foam Filled with Eggshell and Groundnut Husk Powder

Abstract

The study investigated the effect of eggshell and groundnut husk as fillers on flexible polyether foam. The fillers with the mesh sizes of 50µm respectively were mixed in the ratio of 50-50. Varying percentages of the mixed fillers ranging from 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% were incorporated into the polyether recipes in the appropriate foam formulations and foam samples were produced. The unfilled foam (0%filler) served as the standard control sample. The physico-mechanical test carried out on the foam showed increase in the properties such as density, compression set test, indentation hardness test, tensile strength test and decrease for elongation at break test as compared to the unfilled foam. The scanning electron microscopy result showed the cell sizes became smaller and concentrated with an irregular shape as the filler load increased, thereby making it denser and thicker. Eggshell and groundnut husk can be used in the production of flexible polyether foam since they are organic materials. They can enhance the mechanical properties and biodegradability of polyurethane product. The use of fillers in polymer composite will help in sanitizing the environment by reducing landfills and producing eco-friendly waste and also it influences cost positively.

Synthesis and Morphology of Flexible Polyurethane Foams Containing Neem Oil and Clove Powder

“…Yet again, Chris-Okafor et al prepared PUF composite using various concentrations of eggshell and groundnut husk powder as fillers and examined the effects of the filler load on the rise and cream times. They observed that the cream and rise time of the polyurethane foam mixture increased as the filler load was increased from 0 wt% to 50 wt% [18]. Their findings corroborated that of Ribeiro da Silva et al [16] and Żukowska et al [17].…”

“…In the last decade, FPUFs and their composites have become one of the sought-after engineering materials due to the ease with which their properties can be tailored to suit diverse application requirements [18]. To develop a foam with the desired properties, formulations conducted are accompanied by multiple small-scale tests to ensure that the necessary properties have been achieved before scaling up is done.…”