Thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties of functionalized graphene‐reinforced bio‐based polyurethane nanocomposites

In this study, the reinforcement effects of graphene on the properties of bio‐based polyurethane (PU) were studied with the use of 1 wt% three functionalized graphene (dispersible graphene, reduced graphene oxide‐NH2, and reduced graphene oxide‐tetraethylene pentamine). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed the relatively homogeneous dispersion of graphene nanoplatelets in the PU matrix. It was found that the addition of 1 wt% of the different graphenes could lead to a significant reinforcement effect on the bio‐based PU. Especially, PU nanocomposite with 1 wt% dispersible graphene exhibited 6°C improvement in the Tg, 75% increment in storage modulus at 25°C, 34% increase in tensile strength, and 30% increase in Young's modulus. Practical applications: Different graphene were used to reinforce the bio‐based PU. A significant reinforcement effect of graphene on bio‐based PU was found. This strategy has the potential for the fabrication of advanced bio‐based materials. A significant graphene reinforcement effect on bio‐based PU was found. This strategy has the potential for the fabrication of advanced bio‐based materials.