EFFECT OF BENTONITE AND DOLOMITE ADDITIVES ON RIGID POLYURETHANE

Abstract

In this study, clay minerals such as bentonite and dolomite were included to increase the compressive tensile strength and decrease the thermal conductivity of rigid polyurethane foam. The effect of different combinations and amounts of clay minerals on the test parameters of the foam was investigated. The surface morphology of the doped foams was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Polyurethane foams were subjected to compressive-tensile strength and thermal conductivity tests. Improvement was observed in the thermal conductivity of polyurethane foams containing 1% bentonite and in the compressive and tensile strengths of polyurethane foams containing 2% dolomite. When clay minerals were added to polyurethane foam in combination, both thermal conductivity and compressive and tensile strengths were improved.