The structure and properties of viscoelastic polyurethane foams with fillers from coffee grounds

Abstract

The subject of the research presented in this article are viscoelastic polyurethane foams (VPF) made using a fillers from coffee grounds. The foams were made with varying content of coffee fillers. Foams and fillers were characterized by means of techniques such as infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and cone calorimeter. The changes in the microstructure of the foams were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope. Foam properties in the compression test was assessed. As a result, it was concluded that the use filler from coffee grounds causes a significant reduction in compression set of foams after compression by 75% and by 90% of the height of the samples. It was shown that these changes are caused by changes in the chemical structure of the macromolecules of these foams but also in their structure. After addition the filler, all foams have permanent deformations with a value below the permissible limit of 10%. Addition of 20% by mass of filler caused by a decrease in the rate of heat release and the rate of smoke release during foam combustion.