Thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites

Abstract

Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) are an important class of synthetic polymers with many industrial applications, whose properties can be custom-made by simply adjusting the composition to meet the highly diversified requirements of modern technology. TPUs are multiblock copolymers composed of alternating soft and hard segments. Significant changes of thermal, mechanical, surface, flame retardant and barrier properties of TPUs have been achieved by their combination with different nanoparticles. A large interfacial surface between TPUs and nanoparticles has led to the possibility for new properties to be created. These properties are often demonstrated as being necessary in order to meet all requirements for specific applications. Properties of TPU-based nanocomposites strongly depend on the preparation method, the type and content of hard and soft segments in the TPUs, the type and content of nanoparticles, and intensity of interfacial interactions between the polymer matrix and nanoparticles. In this chapter, recent development on nanocomposites based on TPUs and different types of nanoparticles is presented. The current understanding of nanocomposites based on TPUs is reviewed in this chapter within the following topics: (a) conditions for nanoparticle preparation in order to maximize their good dispersion in the TPU matrix, (b) different methods for preparation of TPU-based nanocomposites and (c) properties of TPU-based nanocomposites depending on the type, size and shape of the incorporated nanoparticles. The research into TPU-based nanocomposites, including fundamental structure-property relationships and potential applications of TPU-based nanocomposites is discussed. In this chapter, future prospects for TPUbased nanocomposites are also presented.