Different formulations of foaming polyurethane grout offer controlled expansion rates. This is crucial for precision in filling voids without exerting excessive pressure on surrounding structures, which could potentially cause damage. This study focuses on the impact of composition on the expansion performance of tailor-made polyurethane grouting materials. Initially, multiple unknown chemical reaction kinetic parameters were identified by combining free expansion tests, which involved measuring density and temperature changes, with the particle swarm optimization algorithm. A numerical simulation, integrating chemical kinetic models and fluid flow equations, was established to replicate the free expansion process of polyurethane grout in a cup, aligning with our experimental results. Subsequently, we analyzed the polymerization process of polyurethane grout with varying compositions to determine the effect of composition ratios on grout expansion. Our findings reveal that the expansion ratio of foaming polyurethane is predominantly influenced by the concentrations of physical and chemical foaming agents, followed by isocyanate concentration. Polyol, in contrast, exerts a relatively minor influence. Furthermore, the solubility of the physical foaming agent in the grout determines both its maximum allowable concentration and its maximum contribution to volume increase. This study provides valuable insights for the design and selection of polyurethane grout components tailored to diverse applications.
Keywords: expansion characteristics; ingredient proportion; self-expanding polymers; simulation study.