Mechanical property enhancement of flexible polyurethane foam using alumina particles

Abstract

Polyurethanes (PU) are versatile polymers which can be molded to any shape. Reinforcing suitable micro and nano particles in the PU foam enhances its comfort, warmth and convenience to the consumer products. PU foams have versatile application due to its commendable comfort and insulation properties. Challenge for the foam is its strength, in the present work strength of PU foam is increased by reinforcing alumina to it. For the weight fraction of 1–35% of alumina, maximum increase in tensile strength and modulus of 35% was obtained. X-ray diffraction, SEM analysis and sol fraction of the composites were also carried out.