A novel hybrid polyurethane composites with ZnO particles and sheath palm residues: Synergistic effect

Abstract

Technological advances related to the development of new sustainable materials have driven the search for composites containing green fillers. Polyurethane (PU) composites with natural fibers have stood out; however, these materials have limited mechanical and thermal properties. This study developed hybrid PU composites filled with ZnO and palm sheath residues and evaluated the fiber loading (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) on morphological, chemical, thermal, crystalline, and mechanical properties. Microscopic and scanning electron microscopy images showed that ZnO promoted homogeneous and isotropic cell structures. Sheath palm residues were well dispersed throughout the PU matrix and increased the foam's density and further decreased the cell sizes due to limited expansion caused by the fibers that altered nucleation and growth mechanisms. Strong hydrogen bonds formed between the fillers and the PU matrix resulted in a new network that improved thermal resistance. Also, crystallinity enhanced PU chains' organization due to filler incorporation, and these changes on the PU matrix increased impact resistance. The best results were obtained for the hybrid PU composite with 20 wt% of palm fiber. The properties improvements show the reinforcements' character in PU foams with environmentally friendly materials.

Enhancement of the mechanical and acoustical properties of flexible polyurethane foam/waste seashell composites for industrial applications

“…High bubble content hinders the growth process due to higher gelling reaction speed, contributing to bubble stabilization. The same tendency was observed by both Strąkowska et al 62 and Zanini et al 63 in their studies. However, the apparent density of CO-FPU-WSS 30% slightly declined than CO-FPU-WSS 25%; this may be due to a slight increase in sample porosity.…”

Polyurethane‐polyisocyanurate (PUR‐PIR) foams based on castor oil modified with tire rubber waste: Statistical‐based analysis

“…The peak pattern of 1720–1734 cm −1 showed the absence of hydrogen‐free bonding in foams and PU composites. In addition, the band at 1707 cm −1 is related to the hydrogen bond between the N–H and CO groups in the hard segment 39 . A strong absorption peak at 1513 cm −1 attributed to the N–H elongation vibration of the carbamate group can also be observed 40 .…”

“…In addition, the band at 1707 cm À1 is related to the hydrogen bond between the N-H and C O groups in the hard segment. 39 A strong absorption peak at 1513 cm À1 attributed to the N-H elongation vibration of the carbamate group can also be observed. 40 The isocyanate component is represented by absorption peaks in 1598 and then 814 cm À1 .…”

Antimicrobial Nano-Zinc Oxide Biocomposites for Wound Healing Applications: A Review

“…Once together, the interaction between nZnO and the matrix is mostly regulated by hydrogen bonds and by van der Waals interactions [ 65 , 71 , 73 , 75 , 80 , 189 , 192 , 199 ]. This plays a significant role in shaping the final nanocomposite and its properties.…”