Influence of Some Selected Ceramic Fillers on Rheological, Morphological, Mechanical and Thermal Stability Properties of Rigid Polyurethane Foam

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of limestone, mica, granite, and kaolin on the properties of polyurethane foam. The selected ceramic fillers were pulverized and sieved to obtain particles smaller than 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 the optimum filler to be utilized in the production of improved polyurethane rigid foams. The cream, gel, rise, and tack-free times as the rheological properties were observed as the filler materials were introduced in the polyurethane matrix. Mechanical, water absorption and thermal stability properties were evaluated while the morphology of the filled polyurethane foams was examined with SEM. From the results, it was found that kaolinfilled polyurethane foam produced the optimum rheological, mechanical, water absorption, and thermal stability properties. Hence, particulate kaolin of less than 90 µm can be used in the production of green foam for various applications in health, automobile, and household materials.