Development of vegetable oil-based conducting rigid PU foam

In this study, carbon fibre powder has been used as reinforcement to enhance the electrical conductivity of bio-based rigid polyurethane foam. Effect of carbon fibre incorporation on the mechanical, thermal and flame retardant properties has also been investigated. Results concluded that the foams with 8% carbon fibre concentration showed up to 288% increase in compressive strength. Furthermore, up to 28% decrease in the peak of heat release rate (PHRR) was observed on the incorporation of carbon fibre powder. Additionally, the rate of smoke production was also found decreased for carbon fibre reinforced foams. Foams with 8% and 10% carbon fibre concentration show conductivity of 1.9 x 10(-4) and 71 x 10(-4) S/m, respectively. So, carbon fibre powder may be used as a potential filler to enhance the electrical conductivity of rigid foams without compromising the other properties.