Analysis of defect causes for rigid PU foam used in the machine building industry

Abstract The paper investigates the causes of defects in the components made of rigid polyurethane foam using the lower front panel of the KAMAZ cabin interior as an example. The thermophysical, physical mechanical, thermal tests of the studied component revealed that the samples failed the tests for the following properties: material temperature resistance, dimensional stability when subjected to a hot air, and heat resistance. After exposure to temperatures, the changes in the appearance (blistering) and the buckling were observed in all the samples. According to the DSC analysis, the defects after temperature testing were indicative of the incomplete cure of polyurethane.