Effect of ingredient ratios of rigid polyurethane foam on foam core panels properties

One-step manufacturing process (in situ foaming) provide great potential for the production of foam core panels. Polyurethane (PU) foam showed good applicability for use for in situ foaming. Here, the effect of ingredient ratios of rigid PU foam on foam performance and panel properties is investigated. It was observed that the isocyanate (ISO) content and polyols (PO) type and content significantly change the foam and panel properties. Foam cell density, as the most important factor influencing the foam characteristics, was higher in foams with higher ISO and polyether content. Bending strength, internal bond and screw withdrawal resistance of the foam core panels were significantly enhanced when the ISO and polyether content was increased in the foam formulation. Varying the ISO content had no influence on panel properties with higher content of polyester (60%) in the PO blend. Varying the foam ingredient ratios did not change the thickness swelling, while the water absorption was dependent on the foam components ratios. (C) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44722.