Structure-properties relationships in thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer nanocomposites: Interactions between polymer phases and nanofillers

Polyurethane thermoplastic elastomer (TPU) nanocomposites were prepared by the incorporation of 1 wt% of high-structured carbon black (HSCB), carbon nanofibers (CNF), nanosilica (NS) and nanoclays (NC), following a proper high-shear blending procedure. The TPU nanofilled mechanical properties and morphology was assessed. The nanofillers interact mainly with the TPU hard segments (HS) domains, determining their glass transition temperature, and increasing their melting temperature and enthalpy. A significant improvement upon the modulus, sustained stress levels and deformation capabilities is evidenced. The relationships between the morphology and the nanofilled TPU properties are established, evidencing the role of HS domains on the mechanical response, regardless the nanofiller type.

Acknowledgement: The authors wish to thank to the hosting institution, the Institute of Polymer and Composites/I3N of the University of Minho for the facilities and equipment provided for this research. This work was supported by FCT—Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology through project NANOSens— PTDC/CTM/73465/2006 and FEDER funds through the COMPETE 2020 Programme and National Funds through FCT— Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology under the project UID/CTM/50025/2013.