Abstract
Rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs) were successfully modified with different weight ratios (0.5 wt%, 1.5 wt% and 5 wt%) of APIB-POSS and AEAPIB-POSS. The resulting foams were evaluated by their processing parameters, morphology (Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis, SEM), mechanical properties (compressive test, three-point bending test and impact strength), viscoelastic behavior (Dynamic Mechanical Analysis, DMA), thermal properties (Thermogravimetric Analysis, TGA, and thermal conductivity) and application properties (contact angle, water absorption and dimensional analysis). The results showed that the morphology of modified foams is significantly affected by the type of the filler and filler content, which resulted in inhomogeneous, irregular, large cell shapes and further affected the physical and mechanical properties of resulting materials. RPUFs modified with APIB-POSS represent better mechanical and thermal properties compared to the RPUFs modified with AEAPIB-POSS. The results showed that the best results were obtained for RPUFs modified with 0.5 wt% of APIB-POSS. For example, in comparison with unfilled foam, compositions modified with 0.5 wt% of APIB-POSS provide greater compression strength, better flexural strength and lower water absorption.
Highlights
Rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs) are highly cross-linked, three dimensional polymers with closed-cell structures which account for about 23% of all polyurethane (PU) production [1]
The aim of this research is to develop and test PU foams modified with closed-cage nanostructure aminopropyl isobutyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSSs) (APIB-POSS) and aminoethylaminopropylisobutyl-POSS (AEAPIB-POSS)
(ca. 1.2 g cm−3 ) compared to the PU foam matrix. This resulted in the increase of the apparent density of studied composites, wich is in agreement with the results reported in the literature [47,48]
Summary
Rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs) are highly cross-linked, three dimensional polymers with closed-cell structures which account for about 23% of all polyurethane (PU) production [1]. Due to their exceptional thermal-insulating properties, high resistance to weather conditions, good mechanical properties, and low apparent density [1], they are commonly used in industries such as furniture, automotive construction or in the production of thermal insulation materials [1,2,3,4]. RPUFs have become one of the most diverse and widely-used plastics with a continuously increasing global market.
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