Polyurethane Composites Reinforced with Walnut Shell Filler Treated with Perlite, Montmorillonite and Halloysite.

Sylwia Członka,Karolina Miedzińska,Anna Strąkowska,Agnė Kairytė

doi:10.3390/ijms22147304

Abstract

In the following study, polyurethane (PUR) composites were modified with 2 wt.% of walnut shell filler modified with selected mineral compounds–perlite, montmorillonite, and halloysite. The impact of modified walnut shell fillers on selected properties of PUR composites, such as rheological properties (dynamic viscosity, foaming behavior), mechanical properties (compressive strength, flexural strength, impact strength), dynamic-mechanical behavior (glass transition temperature, storage modulus), insulation properties (thermal conductivity), thermal characteristic (temperature of thermal decomposition stages), and flame retardant properties (e.g., ignition time, limiting oxygen index, heat peak release) was investigated. Among all modified types of PUR composites, the greatest improvement was observed for PUR composites filled with walnut shell filler functionalized with halloysite. For example, on the addition of such modified walnut shell filler, the compressive strength was enhanced by ~13%, flexural strength by ~12%, and impact strength by ~14%. Due to the functionalization of walnut shell filler with thermally stable flame retardant compounds, such modified PUR composites were characterized by higher temperatures of thermal decomposition. Most importantly, PUR composites filled with flame retardant compounds exhibited improved flame resistance characteristics-in all cases, the value of peak heat release was reduced by ~12%, while the value of total smoke release was reduced by ~23%.

Highlights

IntroductionA few decades later, in 1937, Otto Bayer obtained polyurethane in the known to this day, polyaddition reaction of polyol and polyisocyanate [1]
Polyurethanes (PUR) were first synthesized by Wurtz in 1849
Polyurethane (PUR) composites were modified with 2 wt.% of walnut shell filler modified with selected mineral filler—perlite, montmorillonite, and halloysite

Summary

Introduction

A few decades later, in 1937, Otto Bayer obtained polyurethane in the known to this day, polyaddition reaction of polyol and polyisocyanate [1]. Polyurethanes are composed of rigid (hydrogen bonds) and flexible (the rest of the polyol chain) segments. After the formation of polyurethane macromolecule, the rigid segments are joined together, which leads to the formation of soft and hard domains [4]. The polyaddition reaction leading to the production of polyurethane materials is carried out in the presence of chain extenders, catalysts, flame retardants, and blowing agents [5]. Due to the wide range of selection and modification of used raw materials, polyurethane products can be obtained in various forms, including foams, coatings, sealants, adhesives, films, and fibers [6,7,8]

Methods

Results

Conclusion