Synthesis and characterization of organically modified attapulgite/polyurethane nanocomposites

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 109; no. 4; pp. 2562 - 2570
• Main Authors: Wang, Chia-Hao, Auad, Maria L, Marcovich, Norma E, Nutt, Steven
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 15.08.2008; Wiley
• Subjects: Applied sciences; clay; Composites; Exact sciences and technology; fillers; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; nanocomposites; Polymer industry, paints, wood; polyurethanes; reinforcement; Technology of polymers; Dispersion reinforced material; Polyaddition; nanocomposites; Composite material; Thermal stability; fillers; Organic diisocyanate; Nanocomposite; reinforcement; Nanorod; Etherurethane polymer; Clay; Elastic modulus; Organic clay; Mechanical properties; Attapulgite; Crystallinity; Experimental study; Tetrahydrofuran polymer; polyurethanes; Surface treatment; Thermal properties; Cyclic ether polymer; Morphology; Preparation; Concentration effect
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.28254

Polyurethane (PU) nanocomposites filled with attapulgite (ATT) nanorods were synthesized and characterized with thermal analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and mechanical testing. The formulations were based on 4,4'-methylene bis(phenyl isocyanate) (MDI), polytetrahydrofuran, 1,4-butanediol, and inorganic ATT premodified with MDI. The original and premodified ATT (ATT-OH and ATT-MDI) nanorods were characterized with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The analysis revealed that 17 wt % MDI was grafted/adsorbed onto the surface of ATT as a result of the modification. Pristine PU and ATT-MDI/PU nanocomposites were characterized with scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and TGA. The mechanical tests and DMA showed an increase in the storage modulus and Young's modulus with increasing ATT-MDI content. The crystallinity of the hard and soft segments and thermal stability showed enhancements over those of the neat resin.