Effect of small amount of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes on the properties of rigid polyisocyanurate and polyurethane foam composites

Abstract

Using small amounts of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) functionalized with carboxyl groups, methyldiethanolamine and triethanolamine (from 0.005 to 0.1%), a series of rigid composite polyurethane-polyisocyanurate (PIR) and polyurethane (PUR) foams was obtained. The influence of these additives on the morphology of the cellular structure of the synthesized foams, as well as the change in their physical-mechanical and thermophysical characteristics, was analyzed. The effect of additions of functionalized MWCNTs on the change in compressive strength, Young’s modulus, thermal conductivity index, and mass loss during combustion of the synthesized foams has been studied. Based on the results obtained, the introduction of small amounts (up to 0.05%) of functionalized nanotubes in the foam composition improves the characteristics described above. The greatest effect was achieved using 0.05% carboxylated MWCNTs functionalized with triethanolamine.