The Introduction of Myo-Inositol in the Synthesis of Rigid Polyurethane-Polyisocyanurate (RPU/PIR) Foams and Its Effect on RPU/PIR Properties

Myo-inositol (cis-1,2,3,5-trans-4,6-cyclohexanehexol) (In) was incorporated into rigid polyurethane/polyisocyanurate (PU/PIR) foams to investigate its effect on the degradation and performance properties of the foam, as well as its structure. The parameters studied included production temperature, processing times, strength, absorbency, and flammability. The foams were aged (degraded) in a special degradation chamber. The test results indicated the effect of myo-inositol on the foam properties. The addition of In caused a reduction in the cell diameter of the foams (measured in both directions). Absorptivity and water absorption decreased. The compressive strength of the foams increased and the flammability decreased (increased retention and decreased burning rate). As a result of foam degradation, the thickness of the degraded foam layer containing 13 wt.% myo-inositol (In13_D) increased by approximately 30% compared to the reference foam (In0_D).