Flexible polyurethane nanocomposite foam: Synthesis and properties

Flexible polyurethane (PU) nanocomposite foams were synthesized using organically modified montmorillonite clay (Cloisite 30B). The dispersion of organoclay was considered both in the isocyanate and polyol matrixes. Silicate layers of organoclay can be exfoliated in PU matrix by use of two steps mixing process. The presence of clay increased the cell density and reduced the cell size compared to the conventional PU foam. Clay dispersion was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The morphology and properties of PU nanocomposite foams were also studied. Generally, mechanical properties by addition of clay were improved. Foams in which clay was firstly dispersed in the isocyanate, showed better dispersion due to affinity of OH group on the clay surface to react with NCO groups. Better properties have been achieved with these nanofoams.