Enhancement of bending strength of polyurethane foam reinforced with basalt fiber with silica nanoparticles in comparison with plain polyurethane foam

Abstract

This research work is aims to improve the bending strength of novel Structured Insulating Panels (SIP Panel) made of polyurethane foam reinforced with basalt fibre (Sandwich composite). In recent times Structured Insulating Panels replaces conventional constructional materials such as brick, hollow block structures. The novel SIP Panel is developed with polyurethane foam as an inner core which is lighter in weight and acts as an insulating material and basalt fiber laminate as an outer hard skin. Further to strengthen the basalt laminate, silicon nanoparticles were added as additive material. The effect of silicon nanoparticles on bending strength is studied. For this experimental study, two groups are materials are taken for comparison. The 20 samples of plain polyurethane foam are considered as a control group and the 20 samples of polyurethane foam sandwich composite reinforced with basalt fibre with silicon nanoparticles as a filler material is taken as an experimental group. By the addition of silica nanoparticles, it is observed that there is 3% increase in the flexural strength of the SIP panel compared with plain polyurethane foam. Independent sample test between the control group and the experimental group with the significance level of 0.034. Within the limits of the study the polyurethane foam sandwich composite reinforced with basalt fiber with silica nanoparticles is compared with plain polyurethane foam. The reinforced panel seems better bending strength and strength and comparatively less in weight when compared with existing panels.