RESEARCH ARTICLE

Journal of Oil Palm Research Vol. 18 June 2006, p. 198-203

PRODUCTION OF MOULDED PALM-BASED FLEXIBLE POLYURETHANE FOAMS

NORIN ZAMIAH Kassim Shaari* ; OOI Tian Lye* ; SALMIAH Ahmad*

ABSTRACT

In our previous study, incorporation of phthalates in slab stock flexible foam formulation improved the properties of the foams. This paper describes the properties of moulded flexible foams which incorporated phthalate alone, and with two other additives. Flexible foam from blended polyols (50:50 ratio palm-based to polyether polyols) was also produced, by the best formulation selected from the above. The properties evaluated were density, tearstrength, compressive stress and hysteresis. The results were compared to those from the commercial seating cushions. The flexible foams from total palm-based polyol had tear strength of 140-150 N m-1 , and, therefore can only be used in automotive parts such as carpet underlay and thermal insulator. Better foams were produced from blended polyols (50:50 palm-based to petrochemical polyether polyols) with the tear strength approaching those of commercial foams and improved resilience. More improvements to the properties are expected when a high dispensing machine is used in the manufacturing.

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* Malaysian Palm Oil Board,
P. O. Box 10620,
50720 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
E-mail: norin@mpob.gov.my