Mechanical and Insulation Performance of Rigid Polyurethane Foam Reinforced with Lignin-Containing Nanocellulose Fibrils.

Isocyanates are critical components that affect the crosslinking density and structure of polyurethane (PU) foams. However, due to the cost and hazardous nature of the precursor for isocyanate synthesis, there is growing interest in reducing their usage in polyurethane foam production-especially in rigid PU foams (RPUF) where isocyanate is used in excess of the stoichiometric ratio. In this study, lignin-containing nanocellulose fibrils (LCNF) were explored as mechanical reinforcements for RPUF with the goal of maintaining the mechanical performance of the foam while using less isocyanate.

Statistical data on the physical and mechanical properties of fibre reinforced alkali activated uncalcined earth based composite.

This article presents statistical data on the reinforcing effect of three different fibres (sisal, eucalyptus pulp and polypropylene) on the physical and mechanical properties of an alkali activated natural soil produced using extrusion technique for the development of earth-based building materials. The experimental testing program involved characterisation of composite mixtures including a plain unreinforced stabilised matrix (which was plain soil mixed with alkali activator solution) as well as composite mixtures incorporating 3 volume fractions of fibres (0.5, 1.