Understanding the effect of processing temperature and carbon nanotube addition on the viscoelastic response of polyurethane foams

We experimentally demonstrate a strategy to design the microstructure and hence viscoelastic behavior of polyurethane (PU) foams. PU foams are fabricated at two temperatures (room and −5°C) and reinforced with varying concentrations of oxidized carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Hierarchical pores, thicker cell walls, higher density, and low porosity are recorded in PU foams processed at −5°C. The addition of CNTs improves the cell wall stiffness and...