Rigid Polyurethane Foams: Preparation, Characterization and Specialty Applications

Abstract

The main objective of the work presented in the thesis is to develop special type of rigid polyurethane foam (PUF) of different density which will have good mechanical properties, and specialty fire−retardant properties like generation of low smoke, high limiting oxygen index (LOI), intumescent char forming property, etc. In this investigation rigid PUFs with wide range of density (30−450 kg/m3) were prepared by using both free−rise as well as molding technique. The effects of different raw materials such as polyols, catalyst, chain extender, surfactant, blowing agent, etc. on the properties have been studied systematically. Effect of fillers (both micro and nano-sized) like precipitated silica, precipitated calcium carbonate, glass powder, nanosilica and nanoclays on the properties of water blown PUF have also been investigated.