Abstract
The effects of local materials as fillers incorporated into the flexible polyether foam recipes were investigated. The fillers; coconut husk and corn cob of mesh sizes of 150 µm respectively were mixed in the ratio of 50:50. Varying percentages of the mixed fillers, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% were mixed with polyether foam recipes in the appropriate formulations and physico-mechanical tests were carried out on the samples. Density and compression set showed an increasing trend with increase in the filler. Elongation at break and tensile strength showed a decrease in the value as the filler load was increasing. Hardness showed a slight random variation in the value as the filler load increased. Thermal conductivity also showed a decrease in its value as the filler load increased that means it can serve as a fire retardant. All these properties were compared to a controlled sample (sample without filler). These fillers can be used in the production of polyurethane foams since they are organic materials, thus they can enhance the biodegradability of polyurethane products and be use also as flame retardants.
Highlights
It could be attributed to the enhanced mechanical properties exhibited by the fillers
Elongation, tensile strength and thermal conductivity showed a decrease in their value as filler load increased while hardness (IFD) showed a slight random variation in the value as the filler increased
The physico-mechanical analysis results of the synthesized foam samples showed that good quality foams for cushioning materials, mattresses, upholsteries, in fashion designing and special operations can be obtained from cellulosic materials in the range of 2%-5% application of filler
Summary
Industries that produce flexible polyurethane foams use fillers to modify the material's properties in some way, such as: dimensional stability, retraction from the mold and density [3,4]. The fillers promote an increase in density and resistance to compression. They reduce the resiliency and contribute to the increase in permanent deformation. Properties such as tear strength, for example, are significantly affected by the introduction of filler. It is necessary to know the end-use of the material in order to use the correct concentration in the polymer matrix, obtaining a product of reliable quality
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