Viscoelastic Polyurethane Foam with Keratin and Flame-Retardant Additives.

Krystyna Wrześniewska-Tosik,Damian Walisiak,Ewa Wesołowska,Monika Auguścik Królikowska,Milena Leszczyńska,Kamila Sałasińska,Michalina Pałczyńska,Joanna Ryszkowska,Tomasz Kowalewski,Krzysztof Niezgoda,Tomasz Mik

doi:10.3390/polym13091380

Abstract

Viscoelastic polyurethane (VEPUR) foams with increased thermal resistance are presented in this article. VEPUR foams were manufactured with the use of various types of flame retardant additives and keratin fibers. The structure of the modified foams was determined by spectrophotometric-(FTIR), thermal-(DSC), and thermogravimetric (TGA) analyses as well as by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We also assessed the fire resistance, hardness, and comfort coefficient (SAG factor). It was found that the use of keratin filler and flame retardant additives changed the foams’ structure and properties as well as their burning behavior. The highest fire resistance was achieved for foams containing keratin and expanding graphite, for which the reduction in heat release rate (HRR) compared to VEPUR foams reached 75%.

Highlights

Viscoelastic polyurethane (VEPUR) foams or memory foams are foams designed to improve the comfort of astronauts at take-off and landing during space flights [1]
When these products are used in nursing homes for the long-term sick, the problem of low fire resistance of the products arises as some of the patients are smokers
Despite many works related to reducing the flammability of polyurethane foams, this problem has not been solved

Summary

Introduction

Viscoelastic polyurethane (VEPUR) foams or memory foams are foams designed to improve the comfort of astronauts at take-off and landing during space flights [1]. These foams are often used to manufacture: Mattresses and pillows that provide comfort for their users during sleep, elements supporting the treatment process used in medicine, or many vibration damping elements used in the automotive industry [1]. The research results of these foams indicate the possibility of extending the direction of their applications, but due to the main directions of their application in the automotive industry and in medicine, including long-term care, their high resistance to fire is required [6]. A lot of toxic gases and smoke are emitted during the combustion [7]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion