Influence of a Reactive Organoclay on Polymerization and Properties of Polyurethane Nanocomposites

Abstract

In this study, segmented polyurethane/clay nanocomposites were prepared via in situ intercalative polymerization of polyether polyol mixed nanoclay with toluene diisocyanate, followed by chain extending with 1,4-butanediol. The reactive prepolymer tended to gel by increasing the clay content from 0.4 to 1.5 wt.%. This unusual phenomenon was found to be caused by a catalytic effect of quaternary ammonium intercalant on the organoclay. The procedure used for intercalated nanocomposites, is confirmed by wide angle X-ray diffraction studies. Thermogravimetric analysis results demonstrated a very good increase in onset degradation temperature by adding only 0.8 wt.% of organoclay.

Keywords:

• Intercalative polymerization
• Isocyanurate cross-linking
• Nanocomposites
• Polyurethanes

Notes

^a A, absorption intensity at the characteristic wavenumber.

^b A₁₇₀₅/A₁₇₂₈, carbonyl hydrogen bonding index.

^a The temperatures in which 5% and 50% weight loss occurred.

^b The temperature attributed to maximum weight derivation.