Abstract

This study explores the impact of epoxidized palm oil (EPO) content and surfactant type on the mechanical properties of polyurethane foams. The resilience, hardness, and compressive strength of the foams were systematically analyzed at different NCO/OH molar ratios. The findings revealed that increasing EPO content generally decreased both hardness and resilience values, indicating enhanced viscoelastic properties due to the plasticizing effect of EPO's hydrocarbon chains. However, specific surfactants significantly influenced these mechanical properties. Concentrol STB PU-2254 and Tegostab® B82001 VE surfactants enhanced compressive strength by promoting a compact cellular structure with smaller, more numerous cells, effectively distributing loads and counteracting the softening effect of high EPO content. Conversely, the use of Tegostab® B8462 resulted in reduced hardness due to increased porosity from larger cell formation. At an NCO/OH ratio of 1.0, higher pMDI content improved compressive strength by increasing hard segment formation. These results underscore the importance of surfactant selection and NCO/OH ratio optimization in tailoring the mechanical properties of polyurethane foams, offering valuable insights for their application-specific design and optimization.

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

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.