Can We Make Better Polyurethane Composite Foams with Oil Sands Mature Fine Tailing?

Abstract

This study explains how to make rigid polyurethane/mature fine tailings (PU/MFT) foam composites with good mechanical and thermal properties by in situ polymerization. Compared to PU/Cloisite Na+ and PU/Cloisite 30B composites, the novel PU/MFT composites have similar tensile properties, but better thermal properties. Adding 2 parts per hundred parts (pphp of polyol by weight) of MFT particles decreases the thermal conductivity of polyurethane foam by 10%, while adding Cloisite Na+ or Cloisite 30B decreases it by only 6% and 5%, respectively, resulting in considerable energy savings in large-scale insulation applications. PU/MFT foams also sustain about the same compressive strength and modulus even when loaded up to 20 pphp MFT. These results are important for oil sands industries trying to decrease the environmental footprint of their operations and for polyurethane-producing companies attempting to improve properties of their products and contribute to environmental cleanup.