Abstract
Integration of nanoclay minerals into rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs) is a cost-effective solution to enhance foam’s performance via environmental protection technology. In this work, palygorskite/RPUFs nanocomposites (Pal/RPUFNs) with excellent mechanical properties and thermal stability were prepared via a one-step method, using 4,4’-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and polyether polyol as the starting materials, coupled with Pal modified by silane coupling agent KH570. The effects of the modified Pal on the mechanics, morphology, and thermal properties of the nanocomposites were studied systematically. When the content of the modified Pal was 8 wt% of polyether polyol, the elastic modulus and compressive strength of the Pal/RPUFNs were increased by ca. 131% and 97%, respectively. The scanning electron microscopy images indicated that the addition of the modified Pal significantly decreased the cell diameter of the Pal/RPUFNs. The results of thermogravimetric and derivative thermogravimetry analyses revealed that the addition of the modified Pal increased the thermal weight loss central temperature of the Pal/RPUFNs, showing better thermal stability in comparison with the pure RPUFs. A self-made evaluation device was used to estimate the thermal insulation ability of the Pal/RPUFNs. It was found that the small cell size and uniform cellular structure were keys to improving the thermal insulation performance of the RPUFs. The prepared Pal/RPUFNs are expected to have great potential in the field of building insulation.
Highlights
Polyurethane is a special polymer material that has been widely used in the construction, automobile, aerospace, light, and chemical industries owing to its unique physical and chemical properties [1,2,3]
Different types of fillers have been incorporated into rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs), such as carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes, potato protein, lignin, tire rubber, etc. [2,8,9,10,11]
It is well known that the cell morphology of RPUFs plays an important role in determining their thermal insulation ability and mechanical properties, while the viscosity of raw materials, reaction temperature, and the dispersion of fillers in the foam matrix are critical for the cell structure of RPUFs [29,30]
Summary
Polyurethane is a special polymer material that has been widely used in the construction, automobile, aerospace, light, and chemical industries owing to its unique physical and chemical properties [1,2,3]. Due to their low density, low thermal conductivity, and high commercial application value, rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs) have been considered to be the best insulation materials among various types of polyurethanes [4]. The mechanical properties, microstructure, and thermal stability of the Pal/RPUFNs were systematically investigated
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
