Investigating the effect of applying carbon nanotubes (CNT) on the physical and mechanical properties of rigid polyurethane nanocomposite foam

Polyurethane foams have always been of interest to researchers due to their cheap price, many applications, and unique properties. In order to improve the mechanical and thermal properties of polyurethane foam, carbon nanotubes are used as reinforcement. One of the most common methods to improve the dispersion of carbon nanotubes is to modify their surface with functional groups. In this research, the effect of carbon nanotubes on the physical and mechanical properties of rigid polyurethane nanocomposite foam was investigated. Then, carbon nanotubes were used to make polyurethane nanocomposite foam. In order to evaluate the foam properties, the manufactured samples were subjected to compression test (Compression) and thermal calorimetry test (TGA). Also, scanning electron microscope (SEM) test was used to evaluate the changes in the cavity characteristics and morphology of polyurethane foam due to the addition of carbon nanotubes.The obtained results show that carbon nanotubes in the foam matrix may act as heterogeneous nucleation agents, hence the number of nuclei formed in the presence of carbon nanotubes is more. Also, due to the addition of raw carbon nanotubes, the density of the samples increases, which is probably due to the increase in the viscosity of the resin in the presence of carbon nanotubes. Also, due to the addition of carbon nanotubes, the compressive strength and thermal resistance of the samples have increased by 494.56% and 172.72%, respectively.