Studies on Modelling of Mechanical Properties of Polyester-based Semi-rigid Polyurethane Foams

Authors

  • Remya Balakrishnan Scientist/Engineer, Application Development Division, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
  • A. M. Nallaperumal Head, Application Development Division, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
  • S. K. Manu Deputy General Manager, Propellant Fuel Complex, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
  • LityAlen Varghese Associate Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Calicut, Kerala, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37591/jopc.v8i1.3587

Keywords:

Polyurethane foam, Polyester polyol Isocyanate Index

Abstract

This paper describes the mechanical behaviour of castor oil based semi rigid polyurethane foams with relative density below 0.05moulded by varying isocyanate index (Isocyanate equivalent/hydroxyl equivalent) from 1:1 to 1:2. Mechanical properties of polyurethane foam mainly compressive strength is measured experimentally and the values were compared using three widely referred theoretical models namely: (i) the Empirical model (ii) Gibson and Ashby approach widely used for foam description and (iii) modified Gent Thomas model. Empirical model suggested that the synthesised polyurethane foam is closed-cell foams, which have cell walls that undergo stretching and struts that undergo bending. Experiment values showed variation from Gibson and Ashby model and Gent Thomas model, since both these models are based on the deformation of a simple cubic or rectangular structure, which is not representative of a real foam structure.

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Published

2020-04-20

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 1 (2020)

Section

Articles

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