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Effect of Natural Mineral Additives on the Sustainability and Performance of Polyurethane Foams

Author

Listed:
  • Iwona Zarzyka

    (Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszów University of Technology, Powstańców Warszawy 6, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland)

  • Beata Krzykowska

    (Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszów University of Technology, Powstańców Warszawy 6, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland)

  • Wiesław Frącz

    (Department of Material Forming and Processing, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, Rzeszów University of Technology, Powstańców Warszawy 8, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland)

  • Marzena Szpiłyk

    (Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszów University of Technology, Powstańców Warszawy 6, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland)

  • Anna Fajdek-Bieda

    (Department of Medical Analytics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jakub’s from Paradyż Academy in Gorzów Wielkopolski, Chopina 52, 66-400 Gorzów Wielkopolski, Poland)

  • Agnieszka Wróblewska

    (Department of Catalytic and Sorbent Materials Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Engineering, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Piastów Ave. 42, 71-065 Szczecin, Poland)

  • Beata Michalkiewicz

    (Department of Catalytic and Sorbent Materials Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Engineering, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Piastów Ave. 42, 71-065 Szczecin, Poland
    Center for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Process Engineering (MATPRO), Faculty of Chemical Technology and Engineering, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, al. Piastów 42, 71-065 Szczecin, Poland)

Abstract

Rigid polyurethane (PUR) foams are widely used across multiple industries due to their excellent thermal insulation and mechanical properties. However, their environmental impact, flammability, and limited thermal stability pose challenges for sustainable development. In this study, selected natural minerals—including talc, montmorillonite, halloysite, and diatomite—were incorporated into water-blown polyurethane foams to improve their performance while enhancing sustainability. The prepared foams were characterized in terms of apparent density, water uptake, compressive strength, dimensional stability, and thermal and fire resistance. The results indicate that the inclusion of mineral additives significantly improves the physical and mechanical properties of polyurethane foams, increasing durability, resistance to high temperatures, and fire safety. By using naturally occurring minerals, the study promotes the development of polyurethane foams with reduced environmental footprint, longer service life, and safer application potential in construction, automotive, and heating systems. These findings highlight the contribution of mineral-reinforced polyurethane foams to sustainable materials engineering and resource-efficient industrial applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Iwona Zarzyka & Beata Krzykowska & Wiesław Frącz & Marzena Szpiłyk & Anna Fajdek-Bieda & Agnieszka Wróblewska & Beata Michalkiewicz, 2026. "Effect of Natural Mineral Additives on the Sustainability and Performance of Polyurethane Foams," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-23, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:18:y:2026:i:3:p:1497-:d:1855343
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