Influence of temperature and composition ratios on polyurethane foam properties

Abstract

This aims to summarize the influence of processing parameters, raw material composition, and environmental factors on the mechanical and physical properties of polyurethane foam (PUF), with a focus on tailoring foam for industrial applications. Polyurethane (PU) was first synthesized in 1849 by Wurtz and however, it was not until 1937 that Otto Bayer made a significant breakthrough by synthesizing PUs from the reaction of a polyester diol and a diisocyanate. [1] This marked the beginning of the modern PU industry, as it introduced a new class of polymerization reaction called polyaddition as shown in figure 1. Initially considered useless, PU quickly gained recognition for its versatility and found applications in a wide range of industries. PU is a foam material that can be either soft or rigid, depending on its raw materials. Polyol and isocyanate are the main materials used to make polyurethane foam (PUF). PUF has mechanical properties such as high tensile strength, elasticity, and the ability to recover its shape after compression. The density of PU can be adjusted by varying its composition. This property measures the foam's ability to return to its original thickness after being compressed. Physical properties include adjustable density, porosity, excellent thermal insulation due to low thermal conductivity, sound absorption, biocompatibility, and flammability [1], [2].