Rigid Polyurethane Foams Modified with Biochar

This paper presents results of research on the preparation of biochar-modified rigid polyurethane foams that could be successfully used as thermal insulation materials. The biochar was introduced into polyurethane systems in an amount of up to 20 wt.%. As a result, foam cells became elongated in the direction of foam growth and their cross-sectional areas decreased. The filler-containing systems exhibited a reduction in their apparent densities of up to 20% compared to the unfilled system while maintaining a thermal conductivity of 25 mW/m center dot K. Biochar in rigid polyurethane foams improved their dimensional and thermal stability.

Automated summary

This study successfully prepared biochar-modified rigid polyurethane foams as thermal insulation materials. The introduction of biochar caused changes in foam cell shape and enhanced the dimensional and thermal stability of the foams. Additionally, the filler-containing systems exhibited reduced apparent densities while maintaining thermal conductivity.