The Effect of Accelerated Aging Conditions on the Properties of Rigid Polyurethane-Polyisocyanurate Foams Modified by Cinnamon Extract

Two series of rigid polyurethane-polyisocyanurate foams (RPU/PIR) modified by cinnamon extract (series C_0t and CU_0t) were obtained. One RPU/PIR series contained a commercial flame retardant (C_0t) in the formulation. The other was produced without its participation (CU_0t). The basic properties of obtained foams, e.g., apparent density, brittleness, water absorption, compressive strength, flammability were examined. Afterwards, both series of foams (C_0t and CU_0t) were subjected to degradation in the climatic chamber, acting on samples of foams a defined temperature, humidity and UV radiation for a seven days. In this way, two successive series of RPU/PIR foams were obtained, which were designated, respectively, C_1t and CU_1t, Chosen properties of degraded foams such as: compressive strength, cellular structure by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and changes of chemical structure by FTIR spectroscopy were determined. Compressive strength and the aging resistance was also determined (against the coefficient of compressive strength variation (CV). The possible replacement of a commercial flame retardant in polyurethane formulations by the antioxidant raw material (cinnamon extract) was evaluated.