Nanoclay Modified Water-Blown Polyurethane Foams Derived from Bifunctional Soybean Oil-Based Polyol

Abstract

In this brief communication, we report on the modification of polyurethane (PU) foams based on bifunctional soy bean oil-based polyol by nanoclay. Presence of clay at small loading has been observed to make the foam system more rigid. Modification has been analyzed by measurements on density and compressive strength. In addition, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis have been used to explain changes in properties of the foams. Scanning electron microscopy have been used to verify the foam rigidity in presence of nanoclay. We conclude that nanoclays are capable of strengthening PU foams derived from bifunctional soy polyol.

Rigid polyurethane foams incorporated with phase change materials: A state-of-the-art review and future research pathways

“…In fact, the main focus of the two investigations [14,15] is on the mechanical strength of PU-PCM foams. It can be concluded that no matter which catalyst is used, the cell size decreases in an appropriate ratio to the microcapsule contents due to the nucleation effect of adding fillers [27][28][29]. The mechanical strength can be improved with the nucleation effect, nevertheless this improvement cannot compensate for the negative influence induced by cell ruptures and particle aggregations.…”

Effect of cellulose whisker and ammonium polyphosphate on thermal properties and flammability performance of rigid polyurethane foam

“…PU is a highly cross-linked polymer with an essentially closed-cell structure. Its low density, high strength-to-weight ratio and low thermal conductivity have made PU a dominant synthetic material on a global basis [2,3]. However, PU is flammable material without any additives, which easily results in fire hazard.…”

An Investigation into the Effects of Different Nanoclays on Polyurethane Nanocomposites Properties

“…Incorporation of nanolayered silica is one way to eliminate such disadvantages and modify polymer properties. Researchers showed that the use of a small amount of modified nanoclays and production of polyurethane-clay nanocomposite causes enhancement in mechanical and thermal properties, gas barriers and some other properties of such polymers remarkably [23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39] . The preparation of polyurethane-clay nanocomposites via in situ polymerization method has been the issue of many researches in past years [25,26,30,[40][41][42][43] .…”