Carbon nanofibers reinforced soy polyol-based polyurethane nanocomposites

Vapor-grown carbon nanofiber (CNF)-modified soy polyol-based polyurethane (PU) nanocomposites with different hydroxyl value of polyols (OH) were synthesized. The glass transition, thermal stability, mechanical properties, and morphology of the PU nanocomposites were characterized through differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, universal test machine, and scanning electron microscopy. The addition of CNFs increased the glass transition temperature as well as significantly improved tensile strength and Young’s modulus of PU nanocomposites. Meanwhile, thermal and mechanical properties of PU composites were influenced by the different hydroxyl value of polyols due to those different structures. In particular, in the case of 2 mass% CNF addition in PU derived from soy polyol with the OH number of 164 mg KOH g^?1, 20.8 °C improvement in the glass transition temperature, 115 % increment in tensile strength, and nearly eightfold increase in Young’s modulus were obtained.     

Compatibilisation effect of PP-g-MA copolymer on iPP/SiO2 nanocomposites prepared by melt mixing

In the present study, a series of iPP/SiO₂ nanocomposites, containing 1, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 and 15 wt% SiO₂ nanoparticles, were prepared by melt mixing in a twin screw co-rotating extruder. Poly(propylene-g-maleic anhydride) copolymer (PP-g-MA) containing 0.6 wt% maleic anhydride content was added to all nanocomposites at three different concentrations, 1, 2.5 and 5 wt%, based on silica content. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength at break and Young’s modulus were found to increase and to be mainly affected by the content of silica nanoparticles as well as by the copolymer content. For the tensile strength at break as well as for yield point, a maximum was observed, corresponding to the samples containing 2.5-5 wt% SiO₂. At higher concentrations, large nanosilica agglomerates are formed that have as a result a decrease in tensile strength. Young’s modulus increases almost linearly on the addition of SiO₂, and takes values up to 60% higher than that of neat iPP. Higher concentrations of PP-g-MA resulted in a further enhancement of mechanical properties due to silica agglomerate reduction. This finding was verified from SEM and TEM micrographs. Evidently the surface silica hydroxyl groups of SiO₂ nanoparticles react with maleic anhydride groups of PP-g-MA and lead to a finer dispersion of individual SiO₂ nanoparticles in the iPP matrix. The enhanced adhesion in the interface of the two materials, as a result of the mentioned reaction, has been studied and proved by using several equations. The increased Vicat point of all nanocomposites, by increasing the PP-g-MA content, can also be mentioned as a positive effect.     

Compatibilized polyethylene—thermally reduced graphene nanocomposites: Interfacial interactions and hyperspectral mapping for component distribution

Ethylene-co-acrylic acid (EAA) and ethylene-co-methacrylic acid ionomer (EMAZ) copolymers were used as compatibilizers for polyethylene-graphene nanocomposites generated by melt mixing. At 5 wt% content, the EAA compatibilizer enhanced the tensile modulus of PE by 40 % and shear modulus by >300 % (1 rad/s) due to efficient dispersion of graphene platelets which helped in effective stress transfer. These also resulted in enhanced thermal stability for PE-EAA-G nanocomposite as compared to nanocomposite with EMAZ. The properties of the nanocomposites were significantly better than the conventional nanocomposites based on layered silicate materials. Mapping of the component distribution in the nanocomposites was demonstrated by using hyperspectral imaging. The nanocomposite with EAA exhibited higher extent of spectral signal mixing due to better mixing of filler and compatibilizer in PE matrix. On the other hand, nanocomposite with EMAZ had no spectral mixing as the components did not mix optimally with each other. The DSC thermogram for this nanocomposite also exhibited a small shoulder at low temperature probably due to immiscibility of the compatibilizer with the matrix polymer. The hyperspectral imaging and mapping was thus demonstrated to be a useful method for determination of component distribution in complex nanocomposite systems.     

Carbon nanotube–polyurethane shape memory nanocomposites with low trigger temperature

Ester-based polyurethane (PU) with low glass transition temperature was used to develop shape memory nanocomposites with low trigger temperature. Pristine carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and oxidized CNTs (ox-CNTs) were introduced by melt mixing to improve the mechanical and shape memory properties of the PU matrix. The dispersion of CNTs on the mechanical properties and shape memory behaviors of the nanocomposites were also investigated. The results show that better dispersion of ox-CNTs contributes to more stiffness effect below glass transition temperature (T_g) while lower storage modulus (E′) above T_g. The nanocomposites exhibit high shape fixity and recovery ratio above 98%. The ox-CNT/PU nanocomposite shows higher shape recovery ratio for the first cycle, faster recovery due to better dispersion of CNTs and have potential applications for controlling tags or proof marks in the area of frozen food. The trigger temperature can be tailored by controlling the T_g of the PU matrix or the content of the nanofillers.     

Synthesis and thermal studies of flexible polyurethane nanocomposite foams obtained using nanoclay modified with flame retardant compound

This work presents thermal studies of nanocomposites based on the flexible polyurethane (PU) matrix and filled using montmorillonite organically modified with organophosphorus flame retardant compound. Flexible PU nanocomposite foams were prepared in the reaction carried out between reactive alcoholic hydroxyl and isocyanate groups with the ratio of NCO to OH groups equal to 1.05. The amount of an organoclay ranging from 3 to 9 vol% was added to the polyol component of the resin before mixing with isocyanate. The apparent density of PU foams was ranging from 0.066 to 0.077 g cm^?1. Thermal properties of the flexible PU nanocomposite foams were investigated by thermogravimetry and dynamical mechanical analysis. Glass transition temperatures (T _g) were defined as maximum peak on tanδ curve. Thermal decomposition was observed at 310–320 °C (calculated from the onset of TG curve). Tensile strength of the PU foams was determined using mechanical test. The microstructure of the nanoparticles and the composites was investigated by X-ray diffraction. Finally, it was confirmed that the thermal and mechanical properties of flexible PU nanocomposite depend on the amount of nanoclay.     

The shear viscosity of polyampholyte (gelatin) stabilized colloidal dispersions

A micromechanical model for the zero shear viscosity of polyampholyte-stabilized colloidal dispersions based on the osmotic overlap potential is proposed and tested against model system measurements. This model relates the shear viscosity of polyampholyte-stabilized colloidal dispersions to the oncotic pressure of polyampholyte solutions through an interparticle potential and an effective hard-sphere scaling. The results of viscosity calculations based on independently measured parameters compare favorably to experimental measurements on model, silica dispersions stabilized with adsorbed photographic grade gelatin. The results support a direct link between the capacity of polyampholytes and polyelectrolytes to stabilize dispersions and control dispersion viscosity and their solution oncotic pressure. The model is also demonstrated to provide a master curve for literature data for the zero shear viscosity of polyampholyte stabilized colloidal dispersions.     

Intelligent colloidal hybrids via reversible pH-induced complexation of polyelectrolyte and silica nanoparticles

We present novel intelligent colloidal polymer/silica nanocomposites, in which the complexation of cationic silica nanoparticles and a weak anionic polyelectrolyte can be manipulated simply by pH change through a hydrogen-bonding interaction and ionic complexation caused by hydrogen-transfer interactions between the constituents. Special silica particles which have nanometer size (diameter approximately 3.0 nm) and two independent proton-accepting sites were developed in this study. Both the silica and poly(acrylic acid) form transparent colloidal solutions in water, while a white turbid dispersion was obtained just after mixing the two solutions due to the complexation. The pH-induced association-dissociation behavior was confirmed by the turbidity and potentiometric titration measurements. The assembled structures of the hybrids were visualized by scanning force microscopy.     

Preparation and properties of PU/MCMMT nanocomposites

The cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) was used as a swelling agent to be intercalated into the galleries of the montmorillonite (MMT) platelets to get the organic MMT (CMMT). Then 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) were grafted on CMMT by the reaction between hydroxyls in organic MMT platelets and MDI to synthesize the MDI modified CMMT (MCMMT). Polyurethane (PU)/MCMMT composites were prepared by situ polymerization. The MCMMT platelets dispersed in a PU matrix in nanometer scale. The dispersion and intercalation degree of the MCMMT platelets decreased with increase in the content of MCMMT. Under the same content of fillers, the tensile strength and tear strength of PU/MCMMT nanocomposites were higher than those of PU/organic MMT nanocomposites. The reinforcing effect of the MCMMT platelets to the PU was better than that of the organic MMT platelets. With increase in the content of MCMMT, the tensile strength and tear strength of the PU/MCMMT nanocomposites were increased, while the extent of the increase slowed down. Compared with those of PU, the thermal stability of PU/MCMMT nanocomposites was increased. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Natural and acid-treated attapulgite reinforced soybean oil-based polyurethane/epoxy resin interpenetrating polymer networks

Soybean oil-based polyurethane (PU)/epoxy (EP) interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) nanocomposites were prepared with natural attapulgite (N-ATT) and acid-treated attapulgite (A-ATT). The structure, glass transition, damping properties, thermal stability, mechanical properties and morphology of PU/EP IPN/ATT nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermogravimetric analyzer, universal test machine and scanning electronic microscope (SEM). XRD showed that interaction with PU did not change the crystal structures of ATT. DMA results revealed the addition of ATT improved the glass transition temperature of the soybean oil-based PU/EP IPN, especially for A-ATT. However, the incorporation of ATT slightly decreased the damping properties of the soybean oil-based PU/EP IPN. Tensile tests confirmed that A-ATT had a significant reinforcement effect on the soybean oil-based PU/EP IPN. The tensile strength of the soybean oil-based PU/EP IPN increased by 56% with the addition of 4 mass% A-ATT. SEM demonstrated the relatively uniform dispersion of both N-ATT and A-ATT in the soybean oil-based PU/EP IPN matrix.

     

Study of elastomeric polyurethane nanocomposites prepared from grafted organic–montmorillonite

4,4′-Diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) was grafted on to organic–montmorillonite (OMMT) by reaction between hydroxyl groups (−OH) on surface of the montmorillonite and the isocyanate groups (−NCO) of MDI, thus forming grafted organic–montmorillonite (MOMMT). Intercalated nanocomposites based on polyurethane (PU) and MOMMT were prepared by solution intercalation technology. The interface interaction of PU/MOMMT nanocomposites was better than that of PU/MMT composites. The tensile strength, elongation at break, and tear strength of the PU/MOMMT nanocomposites increased for MOMMT content up to 5% w/w, and then decreased with further increase in MOMMT content. At the same filler content, the tensile strength and tear strength of PU/MOMMT nanocomposites were higher than those of PU/OMMT nanocomposites, whereas the elongations at break of PU/MOMMT nanocomposites were smaller than those of PU/OMMT nanocomposites. The initial temperatures of weight loss of PU/MOMMT nanocomposites were lower than for PU/MMT composites in the first step of thermal degradation, whereas in the second step initial temperatures of weight loss were higher for PU/MOMMT nanocomposites.     

PU/MOMMT纳米复合材料的制备与研究

纳米复合材料由于其纳米尺寸效应，表面效应以及纳米粒子与基体界面间强的相互作用，具有优于相同组分常规复合材料的力学、热学等性能，引起了人们的广泛关注。用纳米材料改性聚合物，制备纳米复合材料是获得高性能高分子复合材料的重要方法。1998年以来，Pinnavaia等首先制备了聚氨酯，蒙脱土（PU／MMT）纳米复合材料，研究了有机蒙脱土在聚醚中的分散性。其后Chen等将聚羟基己内酯/蒙脱土（PCL／MMT）纳米复合材料加入到PCL和二苯基甲烷-4，4＇-二异氰酸酯（MDI）合成的预聚体与1，4-丁二醇扩链反应后的溶液中，制备了PU／MMT纳米复合材料。少量PCL／MMT的引入可使复合材料的综合性能大幅提高。     

Efficacy of clay content and microstructure of curing agents on the structure–property relationship of new‐generation polyurethane nanocomposites

The physicomechanical properties of new polyurethanes (PUs) derived from toluene diisocyanate, poly(propylene glycol), and cured by third‐generation hyperbranched polyester polyol (HB3), trimethylolpropane (TMP), or glycerol and their nanocomposites have been investigated. An apparent microphase‐segregated morphology of PU nanocomposites cured by HB3 has been observed by transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Morphological studies reveal regions of mostly exfoliated and some intercalated morphology in the case of the nanocomposites, which have been further ascertained by X‐ray diffraction analysis. The HB3‐cured PU nanocomposite containing 8 wt% of modified montmorillonite (Cloisite 30B) clay shows approximately 140% increase in tensile strength along with improvement in thermal and dynamic mechanical properties in comparison with the control hyperbranched PU. It has also been found from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis that the extent of tethering reactions between the polymer chains carrying residual –NCO groups and the reactive hydroxyl (?OH) groups of HB3 is significant, and the nanofiller has been found to preferentially react with the –NCO group of the prepolymer. Furthermore, the properties of HB3‐cured PU have been compared with the glycerol and TMP‐cured PUs and their nanocomposites. The physicomechanical and thermal properties for nanocomposites of HB3‐cured PUs are superior to those of the conventionally cured PUs. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Thermal,mechanical and electroactive shape memory properties of polyurethane (PU)/poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/CNT nanocomposites

Polymer blend nanocomposites based on thermoplastic polyurethane (PU) elastomer, polylactide (PLA) and surface modified carbon nanotubes were prepared via simple melt mixing process and investigated for its mechanical, dynamic mechanical and electroactive shape memory properties. Chemical and structural characterization of the polymer blend nanocomposites were investigated by Fourier Transform infrared (FT-IR) and wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). Loading of the surface modified carbon nanotube in the PU/PLA polymer blends resulted in the significant improvement on the mechanical properties such as tensile strength, when compared to the pure and pristine CNT loaded polymer blends. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that the glass transition temperature (T_g) of the PU/PLA blend slightly increases on loading of pristine CNT and this effect is more pronounced on loading surface modified CNTs. Thermal and electrical properties of the polymer blend composites increases significantly on loading pristine or surface modified CNTs. Finally, shape memory studies of the PU/PLA/modified CNT composites exhibit a remarkable recoverability of its shape at lower applied dc voltages, when compared to pure or pristine CNT loaded system.     

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.     

The effects of altered reaction conditions on the properties of anionic poly(urethane-urea) dispersions and films cast from the dispersions

Aqueous anionic polyurethane (PU) dispersions were synthesised from a polyester polyol, isophorone diisocyanate and α,α-dimethylol propionic acid using the prepolymer mixing process. Samples were neutralised by the addition of triethyl amine. The polymer chains were dispersed in water and extended with 1,2-ethylene diamine. The differences in the dispersion characteristics and the mechanical properties of the polymer films cast and dried from the dispersions caused by altered reaction conditions were determined.The reaction conditions proved to affect both the colloidal properties of the dispersions as well as the mechanical properties of the films. The neutralisation, the dispersion and the chain extension methods had all an influence on the average size of the formed PU particles. For the films, a change in the mechanical properties and probably in the amount of hard and soft domain separation was also observed. A good control over the properties was obtained by selecting the reaction parameters carefully. In particular, the dispersion method in which the prepolymer solution was added to water and not vice versa led to a considerably lower viscosity during the dispersion process. Thus a wider choice of raw materials was facilitated.     

In situ polymerized poly(butylene succinate)/silica nanocomposites: Physical properties and biodegradation

A series of poly(butylene succinate)/silica (PBS/silica) nanocomposites were prepared by in situ polymerization. Solid-state ²⁹Si NMR and FTIR analysis indicated that silanol-bonded carbonyl groups are established within PBS/silica nanocomposite materials. Rheological effects inherent to the silica filler were evaluated by melt rheological analysis as a function of shear force in the molten state. Despite high shear force, PBS/silica nanocomposites maintained a relatively high melt viscosity, attributable to a network structure resulting from covalent bonding between silica and the polymer chain. Nanocomposite material containing 3.5 wt% silica exhibited greatly improved mechanical properties. The tensile strength at break and elongation were ca. 38.6 MPa and 515%, while those of the parent PBS were 26.3 MPa and 96%, respectively. PBS/silica nanocomposites showed composition dependency on biodegradation ascribable to reduced crystallinity and preferential microbial attack.     

Effects of pH on mechanical and morphological studies of silica filled polyvinyl chloride-50% epoxidized natural rubber (PVC-ENR50) nanocomposite

Effects of pH on mechanical properties as well as morphological studies of sol–gel derived in situ silica in polyvinyl chloride-50% epoxidized natural rubber (PVC-ENR50) nanocomposites are reported. In particular, a range of acid concentrations was investigated. These nanocomposites were prepared by solution casting technique and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) was used as the silica precursor. The prepared nanocomposites were characterized using tensile test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The tensile test indicated that the highest mechanical strength was at 30% TEOS added for the nanocomposite prepared at pH 2.0. At pH 1.0 and 1.5 the maximum tensile strength reading was at 20% TEOS added with value of 24.3 and 24.5 MPa, respectively. SEM and TEM revealed the dispersion of silica particles in the polymer matrix. For nanocomposites prepared at pH 1.0 and 1.5, the silica particles were finely dispersed with the average size of 60 nm until 20% TEOS added. Meanwhile for nanocomposite prepared at pH 2.0, silica particles were homogenously distributed in the polymer matrix with average diameter of 30 nm until 30% TEOS and agglomerated after 30% TEOS loading.     

Study on thermal properties of polyurethane nanocomposites based on organo-sepiolite

The effects of sepiolite modified with γ-aminopropyltriethoxylsilane (KH550-Sp) on thermal properties of polyurethane (PU) nanocomposites were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and tensile test. The DSC results showed that the glass transition temperature of hard segments in PU/KH550-Sp nanocomposite increased with the increase of KH550-Sp, because sepiolite restricted the formation of hydrogen bonding within hard segments of polyurethane. TG results revealed that the thermal stability of PU was improved by KH550-Sp, and the onset decomposition temperature for PU nanocomposites with a KH550-Sp content of 3 wt% was about 20 °C higher than that for pure PU. The tensile properties of pure PU and nanocomposites before and after ageing 120 °C for 72 h were determined, and it was observed that the percentage loss in tensile strength decreased with the addition of KH550-Sp because of an oxidation barrier of KH550-Sp confirmed by ATR-FTIR.     

Critical aspects related to processing of carbon nanotube/unsaturated thermoset polyester nanocomposites

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have outstanding mechanical, thermal and electrical properties. As a result, particular interest has been recently given in exploiting these properties by incorporating carbon nanotubes into some form of matrix. Although unsaturated polyesters with styrene have widespread use in the industrial applications, surprisingly there is no study in the literature about CNT/thermoset polyester nanocomposite systems. In the present paper, we underline some important issues and limitations during the processing of unsaturated polyester resins with different types of carbon nanotubes. In that manner, 3-roll mill and sonication techniques were comparatively evaluated to process nanocomposites made of CNTs with and without amine (NH₂) functional groups and polyesters. It was found that styrene evaporation from the polyester resin system was a critical issue for nanocomposite processing. Rheological behaviour of the suspensions containing CNTs and tensile strengths of their resulting nanocomposites were characterized. CNT/polyester suspensions exhibited a shear thinning behaviour, while polyester resin blends act as a Newtonian fluid. It was also found that nanotubes with amine functional groups have better tensile strength, as compared to those with untreated CNTs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was also employed to reveal the degree of dispersion of CNTs in the matrix.     

Impact of in situ polymer coating on particle dispersion into solid laser-generated nanocomposites

The crucial step in the production of solid nanocomposites is the uniform embedding of nanoparticles into the polymer matrix, since the colloidal properties or specific physical properties are very sensitive to particle dispersion within the nanocomposite. Therefore, we studied a laser-based generation method of a nanocomposite which enables us to control the agglomeration of nanoparticles and to increase the single particle dispersion within polyurethane. For this purpose, we ablated targets of silver and copper inside a polymer-doped solution of tetrahydrofuran by a picosecond laser (using a pulse energy of 125 μJ at 33.3 kHz repetition rate) and hardened the resulting colloids into solid polymers. Electron microscopy of these nanocomposites revealed that primary particle size, agglomerate size and particle dispersion strongly depend on concentration of the polyurethane added before laser ablation. 0.3 wt% polyurethane is the optimal polymer concentration to produce nanocomposites with improved particle dispersion and adequate productivity. Lower polyurethane concentration results in agglomeration whereas higher concentration reduces the production rate significantly. The following evaporation step did not change the distribution of the nanocomposite inside the polyurethane matrix. Hence, the in situ coating of nanoparticles with polyurethane during laser ablation enables simple integration into the structural analogue polymer matrix without additives. Furthermore, it was possible to injection mold these in situ-stabilized nanocomposites without affecting particle dispersion. This clarifies that sufficient in situ stabilization during laser ablation in polymer solution is able to prevent agglomeration even in a hot polymer melt.