Synthesis and characterization of polyurethane-nanoclay composites

Abstract

In this study polyurethane (PUR)-nanoclay composites were synthesized using methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, polyol, and hectorite clay. The weight percentage of hectorite clay was varied at three different levels to study its effect on the properties of the thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposite. The nanocomposite polyurethane foam was synthesized in a 2-step reaction process. The first step involved the addition and dispersion of nanoclay into the isocyanate. The mixture was then mixed with the polyol, and the foam was cast in a preheated closed mold. The PUR-nanocomposite foams were analyzed for cell structure, physical, mechanical, and thermal properties. The composite foam showed significant increase in tensile and flexural strengths, abrasion resistance, and thermal properties. © 2013 Manasa Nayani et al.