Abstract: The rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) blown by water with 0.5mm cell diameter was prepared. Effect of content of triethanolamine on foaming time, apparent density, thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of RPUF product was studied. Triethanolamine can accelerate the main reactions of system, meanwhile is cross linker due to its special molecular structure. The foaming time was shorter with the triethanolamine ratio increasing. At the same time, the apparent density, coefficient of thermal conductivity and strength of product descended(before 7 phr) then ascended(after 7 phr), while the cell diameter and percentage of elongation at break of product have reversed trends.

Key words: polyurethane, rigid foam, triethanolamine