TPU Inclusion Complex Modified POM: Fabrication of High Performance POM Composites with Both Excellent Stiffness–Toughness Balance and Thermostability

Abstract

The inclusion complex of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and β-cyclodextrins (β-CD) with high TPU contents has been synthesized. The channel structure with large amount of uncovered TPU was confirmed by wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). High performance poly(oxymethylene) (POM) alloys were fabricated by simply melt mixing neat POM with the synthesized TPU inclusion complex (IC-TPU). The effects of the incorporation of IC-TPU on the structure and properties of POM have been investigated. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) results showed that IC-TPU was dispersed uniformly in POM matrix and there was robust interface between IC-TPU and POM matrix. Tensile test results indicated significant improvement in both strength and ductility of the IC-TPU modified POM as compared with neat POM. Moreover, the incorporation of IC-TPU resulted in the drastically enhanced thermal stability of POM. The initial degradation temperature increased as high as 40 °C with the addition of a small amount of IC-TPU. The investi...