Synthesis and characterization of polysilicic acid nanoparticles/waterborne polyurethane nanocomposite

• Published in: Journal of materials science Vol. 40; no. 23; pp. 6063 - 6070
• Main Authors: Kuan, Hsu-Chiang, Su, Hsun-Yu, Ma, Chen-Chi M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Heidelberg Kluwer Academic Publishers 01.12.2005; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Acids; Applied sciences; Composites; Dispersions; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; Fourier transforms; Infrared spectrophotometers; light scattering; Mapping; Materials science; mechanical properties; Nanocomposites; Nanomaterials; Nanoparticles; Nanostructure; oxygen; Particle size distribution; Permeability; Permeability tests; Photon correlation spectroscopy; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polyurethane resins; polyurethanes; silica; Silicon dioxide; Technology of polymers; temperature; Tensile properties; Thermal degradation; thermal properties; Transport properties; Hybrid material; Mechanical properties; Dispersion reinforced material; Condensation polymerization; Tensile property; Experimental study; Silica; Composite material; Thermal stability; Thermal properties; Gas permeability; Sol gel process; Morphology; Preparation; Polyurethane; Concentration effect; Nanocomposite; Wear resistance; Aqueous dispersion
• ISSN: 0022-2461; 1573-4803
• DOI: 10.1007/s10853-005-1302-7

A novel nanocomposite that consists of polysilicic acid nanoparticles (PSA)/waterborne polyurethane (WPU) was prepared. The nano-size distribution of PSA particles were measured using the dynamic light scattering method. Nanocomposites were monitered and characterized by Fourier-Transform Infrared spectrophotometer (FT-IR). Si-mapping was used to elucidate the dispersion of silica in the nanocomposite. Morphological investigations revealed that PSA nanoparticles were well dispersed in waterborne polyurethane matrix on the nano-scale (100 nm). Thermal characteristics indicated that adding PSA increased the thermal degradation temperature by 43°C when the content of polysilicic acid nanoparticles was 5 wt%. Mechanical property tests demonstrated that adding polysilicic acid nanoparticles improved the tensile properties (by more than 100%), and reduced the wear index. Oxygen permeability tests showed that introducing the PSA nanoparticles increased the oxygen permeability of the nanocomposite.