Synthesis and characterization of organically modified attapulgite/polyurethane nanocomposites

Polyurethane (PU) nanocomposites filled with attapulgite (ATT) nanorods were synthesized and characterized with thermal analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and mechanical testing. The formulations were based on 4,4′-methylene bis(phenyl isocyanate) (MDI), polytetrahydrofuran, 1,4-butanediol, and inorganic ATT premodified with MDI. The original and premodified ATT (ATT–OH and ATT–MDI) nanorods were characterized with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The analysis revealed that 17 wt % MDI was grafted/adsorbed onto the surface of ATT as a result of the modification. Pristine PU and ATT–MDI/PU nanocomposites were characterized with scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and TGA. The mechanical tests and DMA showed an increase in the storage modulus and Young's modulus with increasing ATT–MDI content. The crystallinity of the hard and soft segments and thermal stability showed enhancements over those of the neat resin.