Photopolymerization and Characteristics of Polyurethane/Organoclay Nanocomposites

Different polymerizable ammonium surfactants were successfully synthesized via Michael‐addition and quaternarization reactions. Organoclays containing reactive methacrylate groups were prepared by the cationic exchange process. Intercalated nanocomposites were produced by UV initiated polymerization with 5 wt.‐% organophilic clay loading. DMTA tests and tensile analysis implied that a long chain polymerizable modifier could crosslink with the polymer matrix, and mechanical and tensile properties were enhanced dramatically about 80%. Water sorption was not elevated, which was determined by the polymer itself and the hydrophobicity of the modifier, although the water permeation was improved. magnified image