Liang K., Mao A., Shi S.Q.
Mississippi State University, US
Keywords: nanoparticle, polyurethane foam, soy-based
Nanotechnology is one of the most effective ways to develop advanced materials. Nanophases including nanoclay, Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsequioxane (POSS), organic and inorganic nanofibers are often used to be incorporated into polymer resin systems to improve their thermal stabilities and mechanical properties. The shortage of petroleum and the increasing concern on environmental issues have resulted in an intensive interest in using renewable substances as building blocks for polymer applications. The major objective of this work is to develop soy-based polyurethane foam infused with nanopaticles with enhanced thermal and mechanical properties. Neat polyurethane will be used as a control. Soy-based polyurethane /nanofiber, soy-based polyurethane /clay and soy-based polyurethane /POSS nanocomposites will be synthesized. The morphology of the nanocomposites synthesized will be analyzed through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) will be used to evaluate the thermal decomposition behavior of the nanocomposites. The thermal and mechanical properties can be evalulated through dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), compression test and three point bending test. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) may be used to analyze whether a chemical bonding is formed between nanoclay, POSS, nanofiber and polyurethane. The structure and property relationship of soy-based polyurethane nanocomposites will be studied.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Nanotechnology 2009: Life Sciences, Medicine, Diagnostics, Bio Materials and Composites
Published: May 3, 2009
Pages: 290 - 293
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Medical & Biotech
Topic: Biomaterials
ISBN: 978-1-4398-1783-4