Comparison between Properties of Polyurethane Nanocomposites Prepared by Two Different Methods

In this work, a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPUE) model based on polytetramethylene glycol, toluene diisocyanate and 1,4-butanediol was selected and synthesized. According to this model two types of polyurethane nanocomposites were prepared by in situ polymerization and melt intercalation procedures. The organo-modified nanoclay was used in nanocomposites samples in 0.4 weight percent level. The prepared nanocomposites were studied by WAXD, tensile and thermal analysis. Thermal properties of the nanocomposites were higher than those of pure polyurethane elastomers. Nanocomposites prepared via melt intercalation method showed a lower tensile strength and hardness than those prepared through in situ polymerization method.