Viscoelastic Polyurethane Foam Biocomposites with Enhanced Flame Retardancy

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Sustainable Materials

Background:

• Growing demand for viscoelastic polyurethane foams necessitates sustainable raw materials.
• Existing foams require cost-effective production without compromising performance or fire safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• Develop viscoelastic polyurethane foam composites with reduced flammability.
• Incorporate a high proportion of renewable raw materials.

Main Methods:

• Introduced blackcurrant pomace, expandable graphite, and a blowing agent into a polyurethane foam formulation with a reactive flame retardant.
• Evaluated effects on foaming, flammability, chemical/cellular structure, thermal, and physico-mechanical properties.

Main Results:

• Composites with 30 php blackcurrant pomace and 15 php expandable graphite showed a 52% reduction in peak heat release rate (pHRRmax).
• Addition of a blowing agent further reduced pHRRmax by 67% compared to the reference.
• Biocomposites achieved limiting oxygen index (LOI) values of 26-28% and UL-94 V-0 flammability rating.

Conclusions:

• Developed biocomposites demonstrate significantly reduced flammability and desirable physical/mechanical properties.
• These materials show high potential for applications requiring enhanced fire safety and sustainability.