Comparative investigation of the influence of kaolin and dolomite on the properties of polyurethane foam

Abstract

This work investigates the influence of kaolin and dolomite on the properties of polyurethane foam. The selected fillers were pulverized and sieved to obtained < 90 μm that were used as reinforcements in the polyurethane matrix in a randomly dispersed mode. The matrix constituents were mixed in the same ratio while fillers were introduced via a one-shot system approach in predetermined proportions of 3–7 wt.%. The work was carried out to identify optimum fillers to be utilized in the production of polyurethane rigid foams given the effect of the fillers on the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of the foam. FTIR, XRF, and SEM and mechanical property tests were carried out on the filled polyurethane foam. The presence of the fillers in the foam showed a rupture in the structure of the foams with the cells having similar arrangements. The addition of dolomite and Kaolin degrades the sulfonic acid groups and promoted the appearance of Si–O stretching vibration band. The density, hardness, flexural and compressive strengths of the polyurethane foam were enhanced with the the addition of dolomite and kaolin particles.

Properties of Rigid Polyurethane Foam Filled with Sawdust from Primary Wood Processing

“…Strąkowska et al [ 15 ] obtained an improvement in flexural strength by introducing POSS-impregnated sugar beet pulp in the foam in the amount of less than 5 wt%. Similar results were also obtained using dolomite and kaolin at up to 3 wt% and plum stones at 1 and 2 wt% [ 22 , 78 ].…”

Influence of quartz and marble on the performance of particulate-filled rigid polyurethane foams

“…Increasing the quantity of Kevlar pulp above the threshold value leads to no significant improvement besides being an intercellular filler and increasing insulation. Similarly, Omotoyinbo et al [33] showed that adding dolomite and kaolin altered the absorption peaks and improved the hardness, flexural, and compressive strength of RPUF. Felspar addition to RPUF was also found to alter the absorption peaks with improved microstructure and hydrophobicity but negatively affected the rheological properties and the sulfonic acid groups [34].…”

“…The time-dependent rheological properties were measured as the reaction proceeded using a stopwatch. The two-step process is done according to the works of Zieleniewska et al [24], Omotoyinbo et al [33], and Omotoyinbo et al [34], and Nunes de Oliveira Júnior et al [45]. An open mold with dimensions 81 mm × 100 mm × 130 mm was used for this research.…”

“…The simplest technique for a hardness test measurement uses an indenter to make plastically deforming indents on the sample surface [37]. The RPUF samples can be tested using a micro-hardness intender according to the ASTM D2240-00 standard [33], [38]. Other mechanical properties such as tensile, compressive, flexural, and impact strength can be carried out on a universal testing machine and impact testing machine [33].…”

“…The RPUF samples can be tested using a micro-hardness intender according to the ASTM D2240-00 standard [33], [38]. Other mechanical properties such as tensile, compressive, flexural, and impact strength can be carried out on a universal testing machine and impact testing machine [33]. Currently, researchers are working on improving the properties of PU foams to match the rising demands of the populace by engineering the properties of PU foams.…”