Novel high-performance sustainable polyurethane nanocomposite foams: Fire resistance, thermal stability, thermal conductivity, and mechanical properties

This research direction investigates the synthesis and characterization of sustainable, bio-based rigid polyurethane (B-PU) nanocomposite foams derived from liquefied bamboo powder bio-polyol. To address the environmental and flammability limitations of conventional petrochemical-based foams, the formulation incorporates nano-silica (ranging from 3 to 7 parts per hundred parts of polyol) alongside halogen-free flame retardants, specifically aluminum diethyl phosphinate, diammonium phosphate, and aluminum trihydroxide. The evaluation methodology focuses on analyzing the synergistic effects of these additives on the cellular morphology, apparent density, mechanical performance, and thermal properties of the resulting nanocomposites. Experimental characterization includes measuring compressive strength, thermal conductivity, and thermal stability. Flammability behavior is assessed through Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) determination, UL-94

vertical burning tests, and cone calorimetry to quantify parameters such as the peak heat release rate. The resulting data provides a comprehensive framework for optimizing sustainable insulation materials with enhanced fire resistance and mechanical integrity, offering a viable alternative to traditional synthetic foams in structural and thermal insulation applications.

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