Mathematical Property Prediction Models for Flexible Polyurethane Foams

Abstract

Flexible polyurethane foams of all types are a unique group of plastics materials, characterized by the fact that a multitude of different sets of properties can be obtained by varying the levels of a relatively small number of base components in the formulations. This chapter discusses the methodology for obtaining meaningful equations for correlating properties with formulation variables and other influencing factors. It explains the predicting equations for individual properties, for conventional slabstock, high resilience slabstock and high resilience molded technology where applicable. Density is strongly influenced by water, as expected, with a small negative influence of diethanolamine (DEOA) and index. Tear strength, tensile strength and elongation of HR slabstock foam show complex interactions between water, solids, index and DEOA, somewhat similar to conventional foam. Compression sets in conventional foam increase with increasing water, solids and index, with several interaction terms, and a notable absence of a term for methylene chloride for dry sets.