Modification of microporous polyurethane elastomers with different types of ash—morphological, mechanical, and thermal studies

Abstract

Incorporation of wood ash particles from wood gasification into microporous polyurethane elastomers has been investigated and compared to addition of commercially available microspheres resulting from coal burning. Samples were modified with 3 and 6 wt% of fillers. Structure, mechanical, and thermal properties of obtained elastomers were investigated. Incorporation of both types of ash particles decreased the density of polyurethanes simultaneously increasing their tensile strength and elongation at break. Addition of microspheres caused changes in segment structure of polyurethane, which had negative impact on thermal stability. Although the use of ash from wood pyrolysis enhanced thermal stability of elastomers, causing “labyrinth effect,”, which inhibited significantly thermal degradation of material. Results of research show that wood ash can be successfully used as a modifier of mechanical and thermal properties in polyurethane elastomers. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:881–889, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers