Improving the fire behavior of flexible polyurethane foams using eco-friendly fillers

Abstract

This research work is focused on the preparation and characterization of flexible polyurethane foams and also on the modification and introduction of different eco-friendly fillers into polyurethane formulations. Nowadays maximizing the sustainability of polymeric materials is of special interest due to the increasing environmental concern and the imminent depletion of fossil resources. In this work, the sustainability of the prepared materials is enhanced by using a renewable sourced polyol and selecting environmentally-friendly additives such as anionic clays (layered double hydroxides) and an industrial byproduct such as lignin, giving in this way added value to this abundant residue from pulp and paper industry.These eco-friendly fillers were selected not only due to their sustainable nature, but also because of their chemical structure and morphology that makes them of special interest in another topic with increased attention: the improvement of the fire behavior of polymeric materials.The increased use of polymers has boosted the dangers related to the development of violent fire scenarios, forcing industries to improve the flame retardancy of polymeric materials by using different types of additives, such as halogenated compounds. These compounds reduce effectively the flammability of polymeric materials with the drawback of increased toxicity and thus, increased death hazard while contributing also to the depletion of the ozone layer owing to the highly toxic halogenated fumes released during polymer and additive combustion.For this reason, this work not only analyzes the effect on the properties of different eco-friendly additives in the properties of flexible polyurethane foams, but also explores their potential to be used as flame retardant agents.