Interpenetrating polymer network and nanocomposite IPN of polyurethane/epoxy: a review on fundamentals and advancements

ABSTRACT

This article presents state-of-the-art review on interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) formation by polyurethane/epoxy (PU/EP). PU is thermoplastic polymer with fine mechanical strength, chemical resistance, processability, and thermal stability. EP resins also possess unique chemical and physical properties, though it is rigid and brittle. Amalgamation of two polymers have resulted in improved mechanical, thermal, damping, and glass transition behavior. PU/EP IPN and nanocomposite containing carbon nanotube, graphene oxide, nanodiamond, nanoclay, and various other nanoparticles have been discussed. Commercial implication and future prospects of PU/EP-crosslinked network and nanocomposite IPN are foreseen in high-performance engineering materials, automotive and aerospace, and biomedical devices.

Graphical Abstract

KEYWORDS:

• Polyurethane
• epoxy
• interpenetrating polymer network
• thermal
• damping

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ayesha Kausar

Ayesha Kausar work at National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan. She has previously worked for National Centre for Physics and Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan. She obtained her PhD from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad/KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology), Graduate School of EEWS, Daejeon, Republic of Korea. Her research interests include: synthesis, characterization and structure-property relationships of new polymeric materials; synthesis of nanomaterials including organic–inorganic nanocomposites/hybrid materials; polymeric blends via incorporating nanoparticles into thin polymer films; exploring practical and potential prospects of the novel synthesized materials (new polymers and nanomaterials) counting morphological, mechanical, thermal, electrical, conducting, etc.; flame retardant materials; proton conducting fuel cell membranes; nanocomposites for polymer Li-ion battery electrodes; composites based on electrospun nanofibers; production of various polymeric nanoparticles and their composites for solar cells; polymer/carbon nanotube/nanoparticle composites for water treatment; potential of polymer/graphite nanocomposites; polymer/graphene hybrids; polymer/fullerene nanomaterials; fabrication of epoxy-based nanocomposite for various applications; radar absorbing materials; aerospace relevance, and other technical relevances.