Characterization and mechanical properties of biomass polyurethane

Abstract

In this work, turmeric (Curcuma Longa) and henna (Lawsonia inermis) has been used as filler to rigid polyurethane (PU) foam. Characterization and mechanical properties of biomass polyurethane has been investigated using free rise density and compression test. The percentages of fillers were varied from 2 to 10% by weight. PU foam was prepared by reaction of natural oil polyol and isocyanate with a ratio of 1 to 1.1 by weight. The mixture was stirred with 2000 rpm and was poured into the mould when mixture starting to expand. Free rise density (FRD) by stirring polyol and isocyanate in paper cup according to ASTM standard. FRD of foam will be increase when increasing filler loading. Mechanical properties of foams were evaluated using uniaxial compression test to determine compression strength of composites. Compression strength of PU/henna(H) shows the highest strength while PU/turmeric(T) is the lowest. PU/H have highest compression when filler loading increase to 6 percent and decrease with next formulation which is 8 and 10 percent due to agglomeration. Eventhough PU/T have low compression strength, the trend of compression strength is vary from PU/T which showing the optimum strength at 2 percent of filler loading.