Processing and characterization of polyurethane nanocomposite foam reinforced with montmorillonite-carbon nanotube hybrids

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of montmorillonite carbon nanotube hybrids on the final properties of polyurethane (PU) nanocomposite foams. The hybrids were fabricated by chemical vapour deposition and dispersed in rigid polyurethane foam by an in situ polymerization process. The resulting morphology and dispersion were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. PU nanocomposite foams have revealed the presence of cells of smaller size and an increase of cell density when compared to neat polymer foams. Thermogravimetric studies revealed that addition of the hybrids nanoparticles improve the thermal properties of the resulting nanocomposites. Addition of small amounts of montmorillonite carbon nanotube hybrids has enhanced the compressive properties of the resulting PU nanocomposite foams making it suitable for several applications. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.