Mechanical properties of polyurethane composite foams filled with kenaf fiber and recycle tyre rubber

Abstract

This research is mainly focused on mechanical properties of polyurethane foam filled with kenaf fiber and tyre rubber particles with addition of different amount kenaf loading (2%, 4%, 6% and 8%) and size of tyre rubber particles. The core part of kenaf plant (Hibiscus cannabinus L) was grinded into a fine which is 63μm. For tyre rubber particles, small size particles is 177μm (Mesh 80) and big size particles is 400μm (Mesh 40). The mixture of polyurethane foam and kenaf fiber or tyre particles was stirred with 470rpm with same mixing time which are 30 seconds. The effect of different amount of filler loading and size tyre rubber was studied to determine compressive strength, modulus, rise time, density and morphology for polyurethanes foams. From results of this experiments, it clearly show the increased of amount kenaf fiber in polyurethanes foams resulting increasing the foam density, rise time and mechanical properties of polyurethane foams. For tyre rubber particles, small tyre particles has higher mechanical strength compare to big tyre particles but lower in density and rise time. Presence carbon black as reinforcement also has influence on mechanical properties such as compressive strength and modulus.