Effect of graphene on thermal, mechanical, and shape memory properties of polyurethane nanocomposite

Polyurethane (PU)-related nanocomposites are highly used in the fields, such as biomedical, flexible sensors, membranes, aerospace, and actuator applications. Different methods are there to prepare PU nanocomposite, such as melt mixing, in-situ, solvent, and solution casting, but the time duration for preparation was high. The present study aims at developing a PU composite integrating with graphene (GR) by combining melt mixing and solvent casting method, thus by varying the weight percentage of GR. The nanocomposites were characterized for thermal degradation, morphology, mechanical properties, and shape memory by Thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, tensile test, and bending experiment, respectively. The samples were successfully prepared through melt mixing in the presence of a solvent, within 2 h. time duration than other conventional methods. The thermal stability of the PU composite is significantly improved due to the addition of graphene. Incorporating GR enhances the tensile modulus and strength up to 59% and 12%, respectively. This study found that incorporating GR in the PU matrix improves the nanocomposite’s thermal stability and mechanical strength without affecting the shape memory property.