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

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.