Evaluating the Mechanical Attributes of Flexible Polyurethane Foam Produced at Various Pressures

Vratika Singh; Mahesh N. Gopalasamudram; Jaya Maitra

Abstract

This study explores the impact of different pressures (1atm and 0.75atm) on the mechanical characteristics of flexible polyurethane foam, employing varied compositions (0 - 40ppw) of CaCO3. Foam production occurred under two distinct pressure conditions: vacuum pressure and atmospheric conditions. Mechanical properties, including durability, compression set, resilience, support factor, elongation, hysteresis loss, bounce characteristics (including number of bounces), hardness, thickness loss value, elongation percentage, and tear resistance strength, were quantified using specialized equipment. Results indicate that the foam generated under vacuum pressure (0.75atm) exhibited enhanced bounce characteristics and durability for compositions up to 40ppw of CaCO3, in contrast to foam produced under normal atmospheric conditions (1atm) using identical CaCO3 compositions. Across various pressures, an optimal combination of value and quality was consistently observed at 0.75atm with 40ppw CaCO3 compositions.

Abstract

Keywords