Sound damping of a PU foam nanocomposite

In order to improve the sound damping effect of a flexible polyurethane foam with an open-cell structure, various kinds of plate-like fillers, such as bentonite, organophilic clay, sodium montmorillonite intercalated with poly(ethylene glycol), were incorporated to create nanocomposites. The plate-like fillers effectively improved the sound damping in the high frequency range. The structures of the nanocomposite and foam were examined with X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties and flammability of the foam were also examined.