Basalt powder as reinforcement material in polyurethane foams with reduced flammability and self-extinguish properties

Abstract

Composite polyurethane (PU) foams were effectively synthesized by the mass polymerization method with concentrations of natural basalt powder from 0 to 100 wt%. By increasing basalt's content, the foams had more considerable growth, suggesting a catalyst effect of its inherent metallic compounds during the reaction. Adding basalt powder decreased the traction and compression resistances and increased the foam's density and thermal stability. Still, the increase in basalt content reduced the burning time of the foams, indicating enhanced properties as a flame retardant and self-extinguishing capacity compared to traditional foams.