Investigation and study on waterborne polyurethane nanocomposites

Recently, polymer/layered silicate nanocomposites have been interesting both in industry and in academic applications. These materials often exhibit significant improvement inproperties such as high modulus, increased strength, and heat resistant, decreased gas permeability and flammability andincreased biodegradability of biodegradable polymers [1]. There is strong interaction between the polymer and the layered silicate in nanocomposite. Waterborne polyurethanesincluding coatings and adhesives have been interesting because of non-toxicity, none- flammability and friendly toenvironment [2]. Because of susceptibility to hydrolysis of hydrophilic ioned bonds, ether and urethane groups as well as ester groups in polyurethanes, these polymers exhibit weakresistance and low adhesion in the environment. For better performance of waterborne polyurethanes, they are modifiedeither by varying microstructure or by dispersing inorganic fillers, especially by incorporating nanosized layered silicates within the polyurethane continuous matrix [3].