Bio-based UV-curable urethane acrylate graphene nanocomposites: synthesis and properties

Abstract

Regarding the importance of protection of the environment, and because of avoiding usage of long-term degradable resins and polymers, use of new materials with a natural and renewable resource in the synthesis of urethane polymers has recently drawn many interests. In the present research, environmentally friendly and bio-based UV-curable urethane acrylate graphene nanocomposites were prepared with 0, 1, 2 and 3 weight percentages. Characteristics and properties of the synthesized nanocomposites were evaluated by SEM, AFM, DTG, tensile testing machine, and DMTA. Morphology of the nanocomposite coatings and dispersion of graphene nanoplatelets in polymer matrix were evaluated by SEM. AFM images proved reduction of surface roughness of coatings following the increase in nanofiller amount. According to DTG curves and tensile testing studies, the most enhanced thermal stability and improved mechanical properties belonged to the 3 wt% sample. In addition, results of DMTA confirmed that adding graphene nanoplatelets, especially 3 wt%, to the resin matrix led to viscoelastic properties improvement, including increase in Tg and storage modulus, and decrease in loss tangent and loss modulus.