Improving the properties of polyurethane foam by using sodium bicarbonate powder

Polyurethane is widely used in many industrial applications. However, it is highly flammable. This limits its safe use. This study aims to improve the fire resistance of polyurethane foam. Foam samples were prepared using equal amounts of polyol and isocyanate. Some samples were pure. Others contained sodium bicarbonate as an additive. The added amounts were 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, and 4 g. The addition of sodium bicarbonate increased the foam density.It also reduced the thermal conductivity. AFM analysis showed that the average particle size of sodium bicarbonate was about 44.43 nm. All samples were exposed directly to a cooking gas flame. The results showed better flame resistance in the modified samples. The best performance was observed for concentrations between 2 and 4 g. The 4 g sample showed the highest fire resistance. Heat transfer resistance was evaluated using the UL-94 test.The samples were tested in the perpendicular position.