Structure and properties of polyurethane/clay nanocomposites and foams

Polyurethane (PU)/Clay nanocomposites are synthesized using surface treated montmorillonite clays bearing different functionalities. Effects of various functional groups and clay/monomer mixing sequence on the reaction and clay dispersion of polyurethane are investigated by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Silicate layers of organoclay can be exfoliated in the PU matrix by adding hydroxyl and organotin functional groups on the clay surface. Furthermore, PU nanocomposite foams are also prepared with surface treated clays. A smaller cell size and higher cell density can be achieved compared to pure PU foam.