Nanoclay Modified Water-Blown Polyurethane Foams Derived from Bifunctional Soybean Oil-Based Polyol

Abstract

In this brief communication, we report on the modification of polyurethane (PU) foams based on bifunctional soy bean oil-based polyol by nanoclay. Presence of clay at small loading has been observed to make the foam system more rigid. Modification has been analyzed by measurements on density and compressive strength. In addition, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis have been used to explain changes in properties of the foams. Scanning electron microscopy have been used to verify the foam rigidity in presence of nanoclay. We conclude that nanoclays are capable of strengthening PU foams derived from bifunctional soy polyol.

Keywords:

• Nanoclay
• Polyol
• Soy bean oil

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Authors acknowledge the financial support received from Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) for carrying out the work.