Impact of the Jatoba shell residue amount on polyurethane foams based on castor polyol

This study proposes an alternative for Jatoba shell residues as reinforcement in castor oil-based polyurethane (PU), obtaining an eco-friendly biocomposites. Biocomposites were obtained by mass mixing the polyol with the prepolymer (1:1) and reinforced from (0, 10, 15, and 20% wt) with Jatoba shell residues (JS). The alterations of morphology, thermal, and mechanical properties of the biocomposites were evaluated by varying the amount of fibers added to the PU. Flexural and impact tests showed an improvement on the mechanical properties, and scanning electron microscope images revealed a decrease in the average cell size of the foam, which caused an increase in the crosslinking density of PU foams due to the incorporation of additional groups of fibers, reacting with isocyanate groups. The fiber's addition to PU improved crystallinity, thermal stability, and presented high hydrophobicity. Thus, the developed biocomposites are an excellent option for environmental applications, such as industrial water purification and oil sorption.