How to obtain high quality PU foam products?

There are two types of polyurethane (PU) foam; soft foam and rigid (hard) foam. Soft foam is an open-cell structure, which mainly plays the role of cushioning. Rigid foam is a closed-cell structure, which has the function of heat preservation and waterproofing. We will discuss both types in this article to answer the question how to obtain high quality PU foam.

Features of different PU foams?

Polyurethane soft foam has properties of low density, good elastic recovery, sound absorption, breathability and heat preservation. According to the different degrees of softness and hardness, polyurethane soft foam can be divided into ordinary soft foam, super soft foam, high load-bearing soft foam, high rebound soft foam.

Rigid PU foam has excellent properties such as good thermal insulation, light weight, large specific strength, simple construction, etc. It also has the properties of sound insulation, shockproof, electrical insulation and heat resistance.

What are polyurethane foam applications?

Polyurethane soft foam

• Cushion material: such as seats, sofas, mattresses, etc., PU soft foam is a very ideal cushion material.
• Sound-absorbing material: The open-hole PU soft foam has good sound absorption and vibration elimination function, which can be used as indoor sound insulation material.
• Packaging/sponge pad for protection
• Underwear

Rigid PU foam

• Food and other industries freezing equipment: such as refrigerators, cold storage, refrigerated trucks, etc.
• Industrial equipment insulation: such as storage tanks, pipelines, etc.
• Construction materials
• Transportation industry: such as car roofs, car interiors, etc.
• Artificial wood materials

How to increase the quality PU?

Like other polymer materials, polyurethane are prone to aging and deterioration of product performance when used outdoors.

When PU foam is exposed to UV light, the photoaging reaction of polyurethane is activated. PU is very sensitive to UV light between 290-400nm band. After absorption of UV light in this band, the molecular chain of PU will be broken. This will eventually lead to the destruction of the physical properties of the product. At the same time, the chromogenic groups formed through degradation cause the PU material to deepen in colour.

To inhibit the photoaging reaction caused by the above factors, adding stabilizers and antioxidants to the material is a very simple and efficient way to improve the weathering and processing stability of PU materials.

Omnistab solutions for PU foam

• The Omnistab UV 571 is suitable for high-end PU foam, which effectively prevents PU foam from yellowing.
• Omnistab UV 1 has broad spectrum UV absorption band with high cost performance.
• Anti oxidant, Omnistab AN 1135, is suitable for PU soft foam to prevent polyols from generating peroxide during storage. Prevent coking in the PU foaming process.
• Another anti oxidant is Omnistab AN 5057, which has low volatility and good compatibility. AN 5057 has excellent synergy with AN 1135.
• The newest product in this range is the Omnistab AN 6133, which is eco-friendly & no phenol, anti-hydrolysis resistance.

If you are interested in above additives, please get in touch with your sales representative or contact us here!