Preparation of bio‐based soybean oil polyol modified 3630 polyol‐based rigid polyurethane foam and its improved thermal stability, flame retardant, and smoke suppression performances

Abstract

Rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) with 3630 polyol‐based components was modified using bio‐based soybean oil (SO) polyol. The effects of soybean oil polyol on the thermal stability, flame retardant and smoke suppression performances of the modified RPUFs were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, integral programmed decomposition temperature (IPDT), pyrolysis kinetic analysis, limiting oxygen index, conical calorimetry and smoke toxicity analysis. The results indicated that the RPUF‐SO2 (10 wt% soybean oil polyol) had the highest thermal decomposition rate temperature, initial thermogravimetric temperature, termination temperature, residual rate, IPDT and activation energy. Under various circumstances, the total heat release (THR) of RPUF‐SO2 was 1.41, 1.61, and 2.51 MJ/m2, respectively, and the peak heat release rate (PHRR) was lowered by 22.40%, 45.68%, and 19.86% in comparison to the original RPUF‐0. In the meantime, RPUF‐SO2 had the best light transmittance (57.20 and 60.60%), the lowest toxic gas emissions (0.31, 0.44, and 0.38 kg/s), and the lowest Ds (32.46 and 29.07). It also had an excellent smoke suppression effect. According to the current study, RPUF‐SO2 performed better in terms of heat stability, flame retardancy and smoke suppression. This made it a good benchmark for further bio‐based soybean oil polyol modified RPUFs.