Effect of Halogen Free-flame Retardants on the Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Kenaf/Polyurethane Foam Composites

Abstract

Kenaf/polyurethane foam (PUF) was synthesized form PUF and kenaf core fiber with expandable graphite (EG) and aluminum hydroxide (ATH) at varying amounts. In the production of polymer foam composites, the processing methods determine the properties of the final products. In this work, the potential of high energy milled on EG has reduced the EG platelet size to improve its dispersion in PUF matrix. From the results obtained, PU/KF/6ATH/10EG shows the highest mechanical properties, i.e. modulus and compression strength, while PU/KF/2ATH/5EG shows the lowest mechanical properties. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) shows the effect of adding kenaf fiber, EG and ATH in PUF to the foam cell structure and size.