Exploration on high performance polyamide 1010/polyurethane blends filled with functional graphene nanoplatelet: physical properties and technical application

ABSTRACT

In this attempt, novel polyurethane (PU) was prepared and blended with polyamide 1010 (PA1010). Based on morphology, molecular weight, polydispersity index, thermal, and shear stress behavior, PA1010/PU (80:20) blend was opted as matrix material for graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) reinforcement. PA1010/PU/GNP nanocomposites were prepared using various GNP loadings (1–5 wt.%). According to scanning electron microscopy (SEM), PA1010/PU blend with 5 wt.% PU revealed better compatibility. Inclusion of functional GNP resulted in formation of speckled morphology due to physical interaction between nanofiller and the matrix. In the case of PA1010/PU/GNP 3 nanocomposite, T0 (532 ºC) was much higher than the unfilled blend (389 ºC). Similarly, other thermal properties (T10 565 ºC; Tmax 599 ºC) of PA1010/PU/GNP 3 nanocomposite were significantly higher than the blends and nanocomposites. Limiting oxygen index measurement indicated better non-flammability of PA1010/PU/GNP 1–3 nanocomposite series (50%–57%) relative to the PA1010/PU 1–3 blend series (39%–45%). The results were supported by UL94 tests, where PA1010/PU/GNP 1–3 nanocomposites attained V-0 rating. Furthermore, PA1010/PU/GNP 3 nanocomposite showed optimum tensile strength (48 MPa), impact strength (3.9 MPa), flexural modulus (1393 MPa). Consequently, PA1010/PU/GNP 3 material was successfully used to design automotive part.

KEYWORDS:

• Polyamide 1010
• polyurethane
• graphene nanoplatelet
• rheology
• automotive

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.