Processing and Characterization of Nanophased Polyurethane Foams

Abstract

Nanophased polyurethane foams were prepared with the inclusion of 0.5% and 1% nanoclay. Samples were subjected to static and dynamic compression loading. Compression behavior of neat (without nanoclay) and nanophased foams were compared. Quasi-static compression testing was carried out using MTS system whereas a Split Hopkinson's Pressure Bar (SHPB) was used to characterize the high strain rate behavior at three different strain rates of approximately 1000, 1450, 1750 s−1. It was found that by increasing the strain rate peak stress and modulus of foams increased. Nanoclay filled polyurethane foam exhibited improved mechanical properties over the neat system. Microstructural analysis revealed that cell wall thickness of nanoclay filled foam was more than that of the neat foam which caused an increase in the cell density (number of cells per unit area) resulting in increased mechanical properties.