Thermoplastic polyurethane composites reinforced with renewable and sustainable fillers - a review

• Published in: Polymer-plastics technology and engineering Vol. 59; no. 16; pp. 1751 - 1769
• Main Authors: Khalifa, Mohammed, Anandhan, S., Wuzella, Günter, Lammer, Herfried, Mahendran, Arunjunai Raj
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Taylor & Francis 01.11.2020; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Biocompatibility; Composite materials; composites; Fillers; mechanical properties; natural fiber reinforcement; Physical properties; Polymer blends; Polyurethane resins; Recyclability; renewable fillers; Thermodynamic properties; Thermoplastic polyurethane; Urethane thermoplastic elastomers
• ISSN: 2574-0881; 0360-2559; 2574-089X; 1525-6111
• DOI: 10.1080/25740881.2020.1768544

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) reinforced with natural or renewable fillers gained significant attention in the scientific community and industries. The properties of TPU can be tailored using different reinforcements or blends to enhance its performance and elevate the potential applications of the composite. Besides, composites offer eco-friendliness, recyclability, and biocompatibility thus overcoming the environmental concerns. However, the manufacturing in mass quantity and upholding the quality of these composites has remained one of the principal challenges. Herein, we critically highlighted an overview of the current comprehension of the various eco-friendly and renewable fillers/fibers reinforced in TPU composites for tuning the mechanical and thermal properties of TPU. Some of the important research articles that discuss the influence of interactions, morphology, and modification/treatment of fillers are contained within to understand the behavior and consequence of reinforcements on the physical properties of TPU composites.