Efecto de la cáscara de cacao en la obtención de espumas de poliuretano para uso hortícola: Propiedades físicas y de biodegradabilidad

In this work was evaluated the physical and mechanical properties of polyurethane foam formulations reinforced with husk of cacao (CCO). The addition of these husks improved the resistance to the deformation by compression, there is an increase in the density and water absorption capacity, and biodegradability was enhanced. CCO increase foam volume rate from one to four times in compari- son with the control foam. Such volume increase means a cost reduc- tion of the foams up to 21 %. PU/CCO foam fabrication is an alterna- tive to solve the natural water supply problem associated to the North-east region of Mexico. The use in soils of these hydrophilic materials improve the water retention capacity as well the possibility to control their biodegradability. When tomato seeds were planted in a regional soil:PU/CCO (70:30 %) mixture, they germinated after the second day of their plantation and showed a very good development by comparison with plants germinated and grown in regional soil. Plants grown in a regional soil:PU/CCO (70:30 %) mixture was simi- lar to those germinated in Peat Moss.