Strength and mechanical characteristics of modified polyurethane foams

Abstract

The article is devoted to studying the influence of the polymer modifier on the mechanical characteristics of polyurethane foams under typical technologies and conditions of foam production. As a modifying component, siloxane rubber additives with high elasticity were chosen. The microstructure of the obtained foams was analyzed and the process of deformation of the samples during compression was investigated. The results of experimental studies for different cases of partial ratios of foam components showed that the proportion of siloxane rubber additives significantly affects not only the mechanical and strength characteristics of foam materials but also their microstructure. An increase in the proportion of the modifier, along with an increase in strength and mechanical characteristics, leads to a decrease in the plastic characteristics of foams and an increase in the proportion of open pores in the material. The approaches described in the work can be used to produce structural elements from foam materials with predetermined characteristics.