An Investigation into the Effects of Different Nanoclays on Polyurethane Nanocomposites Properties

Polyurethane-clay nanocomposites were prepared by in situ polymerization method. Different nanoclays were used. The morphology of nanocomposites was studied. Nanocomposites containing Cloisite 30B and Dellite® 43B showed the exfoliation morphology. This diversity in such behaviors originated from the difference in type and amount of used modifiers. Mechanical and thermal properties were investigated. The results revealed that adding small amounts of nanoclays as modifier to polyurethane matrix led to an increase in some properties such as Tg, Tm, degradation temperature and elastic modulus. Among used nanoclays, 30B and 43B played a remarkable role in the modification of final polymer properties.