Work

Enhancing flexible polyurethane foams with bio-based sage filler: Effects on microstructure, mechanical properties, and sustainability

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study explores the incorporation of sage (Salvia officinalis) as a bio-based filler in flexible polyurethane foams (FPUFs).Sage was added to FPUFs in varying concentrations (5, 10, and 15 wt.%) to examine its influence on the foaming process, microstructure, density, water absorption, and compression behavior.Results revealed that sage delayed the foaming reaction, reduced exothermic reaction temperatures, and enhanced foam expansion.Microstructural analysis showed finer cell structures and denser foam matrices with sage incorporation.Foam filled with 5 wt.% of sage exhibited reduced compression resistance; however, increasing the filler concentration led to improvements in compression resistance.Sage also increased water absorption due to its hygroscopic nature, though this effect plateaued at higher concentrations.These findings demonstrate the potential of sage as a sustainable additive to produce high-performance FPUFs suitable for various industrial applications.

Source: Advances in Science and Technology – Research Journal

DOI: 10.12913/22998624/202852

Authors: Sara Sarraj, Małgorzata Szymiczek

Institution: Silesian University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Polymer Foaming and Composites

Subfield: Polymers and Plastics

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $330