Microstructure and Properties of Aramid-Pulp Fiber Reinforced Phenolic Foams

Phenolic foam was modified by aramid-pulp (AP) fiber to prepare AP reinforced phenolic foams,and compressive strength,compressive modulus,microstructure and thermal stability of the foams were studied.The results show that compressive strength and compressive modulus of the foams increased and then decreased with the increase of the adding contents of AP fiber.The compressive strength up to the maximum value of 0.37 MPa when the adding contents of AP fiber was 3.1 wt%,whose microstructure revealed finer and more homogeneous cell size distribution.The AP fiber dispersed and situated within the cell walls of the foams,and it contributed to the property enhancement through forming a good adhesion with the resin.When the adding contents of AP fiber was 4.58 wt%,the compressive modulus reached the maximum value of 14 MPa.Adding AP fiber was helpful for improving the thermal stability of the foam.