Laboratory report

Practice with expanded polyurethane

Juan Sebastian Lozada Peña-5801255

Javier Santiago Fajardo Pachon-5801261
Nicolas Esteban Martinez Mendoza-5801295

Militar University of New Granada

engineering materials
Cajica, Colombia
16/02/20
 Table of Contents

List of Illustrations 4

summary 5

Introduction 6 _

1. Objectives 7

1.1. General objective 7

1.2. Specific objective 7

2. Theoretical framework 8

2.1. What is a polymer? 8

2.2. Expanded polyurethane (general information, description, application,

presentations, physical composition and chemical properties) 8

2.2.1. General 8

2.2.2. Description 9

2.2.3 Application 9

2.2.4. Presentations 9

2.2.5. Components 10

2.2.6. properties 10
23. What is the curing time of expanded polyurethane? eleven
 2.4. what is polymerization 11

2.5. What are the main precautions to be taken when handling 11

chemical object of practice (R and S phrases) 11

2.6 Why is expanded polyurethane foam used as acoustic insulation? 12

2.7. To which of the families of engineering materials does expanded polyurethane

belong, brief explanation of the generalities of this family. (classification, application,
properties) 12

2.7.1. mechanical resistance 12

2.7.2. Thermal insulation 13

2.7.3. Behavior in water and water vapor 13

3. Procedure 14

3.1. materials 14

3.2. Substances and reagents 15

3.2.1. polyol 15

3.2.2. Isocyanate 15

3.3. Procedure 15

4. Analysis of results 17

5. Conclusions 18

6. Bibliography 19
 List of illustrations

Illustrations 1. Isocyanate……………………………………….…….14

Illustrations 2. Polyol…………………………………………………. .14

Illustrations 3. box covered with wax…………………………………15

Illustrations 4. Manufacture of box……………………………………16

Illustrations 5. Mixture of isocyanate and polyol…………………….16

Illustrations 6. Final product of the three mixtures of polyol and

isocyanate……………………………………………………………….1
 Summary

The aim of this experimental report is to analyze and evaluate the polymerization reaction.
The process began with the preparation of a mixture comprising two reagents that produce
an exothermic reaction. The resulting homogeneous mixture had a yellowish consistency.
The primary objective of this experiment was to determine the formation of the substances
(polyol and catalyst) after the reactions. These versatile substances have a wide range of
applications and consistencies of varying resistances. Therefore, understanding the process
of their formation is crucial to optimize their applications and potential benefits.

Keywords:
● Experimental report
● Polymerization reaction
● Mixture
● Reagents
● Exothermic reaction
● Homogeneous mixture
● Yellowish consistency
● Polyol
● Formation
● Versatile substances
● Wide range of applications
● Consistencies of different resistances
 Introduction

In the development of this experimental report, the objective was to analyze the behavior of
the polyol with a diisocyanate, resulting in the creation of polyurethane. The aim was to
determine the properties of the material and demonstrate its versatility by obtaining three
different structures of the material with varying texture and mass. These results showcased
the wide range of applications of the material.
 1. Objectives

1.1. General Objective

● To observe the type of reaction that occurs after mixing the catalyst agent.

1.2. Specific Objectives

• To observe in detail each material necessary to carry out the experiment.

• To study in detail the laboratory elements necessary to carry out the experiment.

• To identify the role played by the catalyst during mixing with the polyol.

• To analyze the chemical reactions that occur during the experiment.

 2. Theoretical framework

A polyurethane system is a chemical reaction between two liquid components: a polyol and
a catalyst. When combined, they undergo an exothermic reaction that produces polyurethane
foam, characterized by its high insulating capacity and resistance. This foam has a wide range
of applications, from insulation to cushioning, and can be created in various textures and
densities. The chemical properties and behavior of the components in this system play a
crucial role in the production and performance of polyurethane foam.

2.1. What is a polymer?

Polymers are chemical compounds composed of repeating chains of basic units called
monomers. They are large molecules created by the union of one or more small molecules
that are repeated along a chain through a process called polymerization. Polymers are
fundamental in the natural and artificial world, with important organic molecules such as
DNA, starch, nylon, and many plastics. Each polymer has its unique properties, and scientists
can select one or more polymers to achieve the desired material properties for a specific
application or even develop new polymer syntheses in the laboratory. Understanding these
unique features is essential.

2.2. Expanded polyurethane is a foam material formed by the reaction of a polyol with
a diisocyanate and a blowing agent, resulting in a lightweight, strong, and insulating
material. It is commonly used in insulation, packaging, and cushioning applications.

2.2.1. General features

This material can adhere to surfaces without the need for glue, and has low thermal conductivity
that can modify the expansion of materials containing it. It helps save energy consumption and
is highly resistant to dilute acids, but not alkalis, oils, and solvents. It has excellent thermal
resistance and is also suitable for use in sanitary environments, such as refrigerators,
laboratories, processing rooms, and the food industry.
 2.2.2. Description

Expanded polyurethane is a versatile plastic material that is available in different forms and is
created by mixing polyol and isocyanate. This mixture allows the material to be stretched,
torn, and compressed without losing its structure, making it almost indestructible. It has a wide
range of commercial applications. When used as a foam, it is applied in liquid form and
expands until it solidifies into its final shape.

2.2.3 Application

• Insulation for refrigerators and freezers

• Insulating products for construction
• furniture filler
• mattresses
• automotive components
• Coatings and Adhesives
• rollers and wheels
• composite wood panels
• Shoe soles
• Sportswear

2.2.4. Presentations

• For small non-industrial or construction applications, the spray presentation is used

due to its practicality and ease of use.

• For large-scale practices and industrial applications, a hose connected to a larger

spray system is used to apply the expanded polyurethane to the structure or surface
to be protected.

2.2.5. Components

The ingredients of expanded polyurethane are polyols and isocyanate, which when mixed,
undergo a polymerization reaction that forms polyurethane. An air release agent is also added
to the mixture, which, when evaporated, triggers an exothermic reaction that causes the
polymer to foam and solidify. These physical properties give expanded polyurethane excellent
mechanical strength and unparalleled thermal insulation performance.
 2.2.6. Properties

Chemical Properties

It is composed of low-density, low-OH index polyols and low-NCO isocyanates, special

blowing agents, and high proportions of water. The entire formula is stoichiometrically
designed to produce rapidly setting foams with densities between 18 and 80 kg/m3. A 25 mm
thick polyurethane provides insulation for the internal environment, maintaining 20°C on one
side while fluctuating to -5°C on the outside.

physical properties
• High load capacity
• Flexibility
• Abrasion and impact resistance
• Resistance to water, grease and gasoline
• production facilities
• Color range
• Anti-mold and anti-fungus
• Resistant to adverse conditions
• electrical properties

23. Curing Time of Expanded Polyurethane:

The time required for the foam to dry varies depending on the surface. The first layer of
the product hardens in approximately 10 to 20 minutes, but the complete drying time is
90 minutes.
 2.4. What is polymerization?

Polymerization is a process in which composite resins are formed by means of heat,

chemicals, UV light, and visible light. During the polymerization process, two phenomena
occur in the material: the development of optimal mechanical properties specific to the
type of resin selected, and polymerization contraction.

2.5. What are the main precautions that should be taken when handling chemicals,
especially those subject to practice?

Main precautions to be taken when handling chemicals subject to practice (R and S

phrases):

R-phrases:

R39/23 Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects if inhaled.

R39/23/24 Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects through inhalation and in contact
with skin.

R39/23/24/25 Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects through inhalation, in contact
with skin and if swallowed.

R39/23/25 Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects if inhaled and if swallowed.

S-phrases:

S23: Do not breathe gases/fumes/vapours/aerosols (appropriate name(s) to be specified by the

manufacturer).

S24: Avoid contact with skin.

S25: Avoid contact with eyes.

S26: In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical
attention.
 2.6. Explain why polyurethane foam is used as thermal and acoustic insulation.

Expanded polyurethane foam is used as thermal insulation due to its structure and high
crosslinking density, which give it excellent insulating properties, good thermal stability, and
high compressive strength. For example, using polyurethane to insulate windows can reduce
heat loss by up to 50%. Polyurethane has a very low thermal conductivity, making it one of the
most effective insulation materials available. Additionally, polyurethane foam takes up only a
small fraction of the volume of solid material, making it a space-efficient option for insulation.

Polyurethane foam is also used as acoustic insulation because it can absorb sound waves and
reduce noise transmission. Its open-cell structure allows for sound absorption and the reduction
of noise pollution in buildings, machinery, and vehicles.

2.7. In which family of engineering materials does expanded polyurethane

belong? Briefly explain the generalities of this family, including its classification,
applications, and properties.

Expanded polyurethane belongs to the family of polymer materials. Polymers are a group of
materials made up of long chains of molecules that are formed by the repetition of smaller
units called monomers. Polyurethanes, in particular, are classified as thermosetting polymers,
which means that they undergo a chemical reaction during processing that leads to
crosslinking and the formation of a three-dimensional network.

Expanded polyurethane is widely used in the construction industry for thermal and acoustic
insulation, as well as in the production of mattresses, cushions, and other comfort
applications. Its properties include high insulation value, low density, and good mechanical
strength. Polyurethane foam can also be formulated to have specific properties such as flame
retard, antimicrobial activity, or resistance to chemical attack. Its versatility and
customizability make it a popular choice in many industries.

2.7.1. Mechanical strength

Compressive strength for a deformation of 10%.

Flexural strength.
Tensile strength.

Resistance to shearing or shear stress

2.7.2. Thermal insulation

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) products and materials have excellent thermal

insulation capacity against both heat and cold. The majority of its applications are
directly related to this property, such as its use as an insulating material for various
building envelopes or in the field of packaging for fresh and perishable foods, such
as the well-known fish boxes.

2.7.3. Behavior in water and water vapor

Expanded polystyrene is not hygroscopic, unlike other materials in the insulation

and packaging industry. Even when the material is completely submerged in water,
absorption levels are minimal, with values ranging from 1% to 3% by volume.
 3. Procedure
3.1. Materials
• polyol and catalyst
• plastic cups
• low wooden tongues
• cardboard mold
• oil
• release wax
 Illustrations 1. Isocyanate

Illustrations 2. Polyol
3.2. Substances and reagents

3.2.1. Polyol
Substances known as polyols are alcohols with several hydroxyl groups and
constitute one of the main raw materials used to manufacture polyurethane, whose
general chemical formula is CₙH₂ₙ₊₂Oₙ. Within this family of chemical compounds,
the glycitols, glycosides to which the carbonyl group has been reduced to alcohol,
stand out.
3.2.2. Isocyanate

Known as isocyanates, they are the precursors of polyurethanes, which are

synthetic polymers also called plastics, and are a chemical group with formula -
N=C=O. Diisocyanates are fundamental compounds in the synthesis of
polyurethane.

3.3. Procedure

• Verify that the group has the necessary safety elements.

• Pay attention to the instructions given by the teacher before starting the practice.
• In a plastic cup we pour the amount that we calculate with the volume and the
calculations that the teacher indicated to us.
• Then we add a similar quantity of polyol and isocyanate since the proportion is 1 to
1.
• We mix quickly until observing a change in the color that indicates a homogenization
being a cream color.
• We proceed to let the mixture stand for approximately 15 to 20 minutes until the
polyurethane stops expanding and hardens.

Illustrations 3. box with wax coating

 Illustrations 4. Box making

Illustrations 5.
Mixture the elements isocyanate and polyol

4. Analysis of results
In the first experiment, we weighed 241.92 g of polyurethane and 241.92 g of isocyanate
divided in four parts each one with 120.96 g approximately, mixing and as a result, we
could observe a change of tone and texture this expanding rapidly, at the same time that an
exothermic reaction was produced in which the reaction released hydrogen, being in a
closed space, its volume began to decrease as well as its temperature, creating a mass of
high density and greater hardness. In this way we can affirm that we obtained a loss of
material because the distribution of the weights tended to leave spaces through which the
mixture of the material used at the moment of closing the box with the lid was filtered,
since those zones did not have much pressure.
Finally, in the second experiment, we took 241.92 g of polyurethane and took 120.96 g of
isocyanate approximately divided into four glasses, mixed the substances and proceeded to
close the box. We obtained a mass that is less rigid, but has a much softer texture to the
touch. Concluding that this material is used mainly in the walls of buildings and houses as
thermal insulation.

Illustrations 6. Product end of the two mixtures of polyol and

isocyanate
 5. Conclusions

● After developing the practice, it was possible to analyze and confirm that this
reaction varies depending on their quantities in proportion implying that you can
get a consistency of polyurethane from rigid and hard to almost a soft and
cushioned foam.
● It was also concluded that polyurethane has a good performance at industrial level
since it is not necessary to use too much raw material due to its massive expansion
that obtains a high percentage of polyurethane, this is due to the fact that its size
increases 7 times its volume.
● Polyurethane is very versatile and this allows a high range of application since
it starts with only two components and these can be obtained and recycled to a
greater extent than other similar components such as icopor.
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