Abstract: The compression strength and morphology of chopped carbon fiber reinforced polyurethane foam was studied in this paper. The effects of chopped carbon fiber content on the mechanical properties of polyurethane foam were discussed, and the formation conditions of polyurethane foam holes and the destruction of microstructure were investigated by optical microscope and SEM. Results showed that when the chopped carbon fiber content is 30%, the compression strength of polyurethane foam was optimum and the holes were uniform. When the chopped carbon fiber content exceeded 30%, obturators and bubble collapse began to appear, and carbon fiber separated from polyurethane foam and the mechanical strength decreased.

Key words: chopped carbon fiber, polyurethane foam, compression strength, microstructure