Impact of clay modifier on structure, thermal, mechanical and transport properties in polyurethane/Maghnite nanocomposites as barrier materials

A thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanocomposite was synthesized based on Maghnite as an inorganic reinforcement phase. The result of this study was to evaluate the gas barrier properties of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material containing clay nanoparticles. The preparation of the thermoplastic polyurethane prepolymer with NCO terminations was carried out using an in situ solution polymerization method. The clay has already been modified by intercalation of 12-amino decanoic acid molecules NH2(CH2)(11)COOH (12-Mag). The polyethylene glycol/tolylene matrix 2,4-diisocyanate (PEG/TPI) was widely compatibilized with 12-Maghnite organo-modified clay. The results obtained by XRD, transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM and SEM) revealed that 1% (by weight) of the modified Maghnite was well dispersed in the polyurethane matrix. Thermogravimetric (TG) tests showed that nanocomposites could improve thermal stability. The gas permeability was examined by means of a membrane separation device. Significant improvements to the barrier properties were observed. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were evaluated according to the filler material used and the TPU matrix. [GRAPHICS] .