Morphological Features of PUR-Wood Particle Composite Foams

The aim of this study was to apply waste wood particles (WP) with different sizes from primary wood processing as a filler for open-cell PUR foams. For this purpose, various wood particle sizes were added as a filler for polyurethane foams (PUR). The effects of the addition of of 0.05-<0.125 mm, 0.125-<0.315 mm, 0.315-1.25 mm, and >1.25-2.0 of WP to the polyurethane matrix on the density, the kinetics of PUR foaming, the cell structure, and the morphology were investigated. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray computer tomography were used. Based on the results, it was found that the addition of WP in the amount of 10% leads to an increase in density with an increase in particle size. The research shows that the morphology of the PUR-WP foam is influenced by its particle size. The difference in the number and size of cells in PUR-WP composites depends on the wood particle size. The addition of dust causes the formation of cells of much smaller sizes; confirmed by SEM images. Moreover, computer tomography clearly demonstrates that the WP are well-dispersed within the foams' structures.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effects of using waste wood particles of different sizes as fillers for open-cell polyurethane foams. It was found that the addition of wood particles influenced the density, foaming kinetics, cell structure, and morphology of the foams. The size of the wood particles also affected the number and size of cells in the foam composites.