Synthesis and characterization of in situ polymerized segmented thermoplastic elastomeric polyurethane/layered silicate clay nanocomposites

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 102; no. 3; pp. 3048 - 3055
• Main Authors: Choi, Mi Young, Anandhan, S., Youk, Ji Ho, Baik, Du Hyun, Seo, Seung Won, Lee, Han Sup
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 05.11.2006; Wiley
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Composites; elastomers; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; nanocomposites; Polymer industry, paints, wood; synthesis; Technology of polymers; thermoplastics; transitions; synthesis; Organic clay; Dispersion degree; Mechanical properties; Thermoplastic rubber; Dispersion reinforced material; Order disorder transformation; Experimental study; Property processing relationship; transitions; Polyaddition; Phase transitions; nanocomposites; Composite material; Polyurethane elastomer; Structure processing relationship; Domain structure; elastomers; Morphology; Preparation; thermoplastics; Nanocomposite; Hydrogen bond
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.24734

Nanocomposites based on thermoplastic elastomeric polyurethane (TPU) and layered silicate clay were prepared by in situ synthesis. The properties of nanocomposites of TPU with unmodified clay were compared with that of organically modified clay. The nanocomposites of the TPU and organomodified clay showed better dispersion and exhibited superior properties. Exfoliation of the clay layers was observed at low organoclay contents, whereas an intercalated morphology was observed at higher clay contents. As one of major purposes of this study, the effect of the silicate layers in the nanocomposites on the order–disorder transition temperature (TODT) of the TPU was evaluated from the intensity change of the hydrogen‐bonded and free carbonyl stretching peaks and from the peak position change of the NH bending peak. The presence of the organoclay increased TODT by approximately 10°C, which indicated improved stability in the phase‐separated domain structure. The layered silicate clay caused a tremendous improvement in the stiffness of the TPU; meanwhile, a reduction in the ultimate elongation was observed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 3048–3055, 2006