UV and UV+ Water Effects on Mechanical, Thermal and Morphological Properties of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Based Composites

Abstract

The degradation times of composite materials containing petroleum-based polymer matrix are quite long in nature and it causes environmental pollution. Researchers focus on producing alternative composite materials with organic and/or inorganic fillers to reduce degradation times in nature. In addition, the mechanical and chemical properties of polymer matrix composites are affected by heat, light, moisture and surface compatibility between matrix and filler. In the light of this information, many researchers examine the mechanical, thermal, morphological and similar properties of organic and/or inorganic filler composites by using artificial aging processes using one or more of the water, UV and temperature parameters. In this study, bentonite with surface modification by epoxysilane agent, and bentonite without any surface modification will be added to the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) polymer matrix, which has two different segments, and will be mixed in a twin screw extruder and it will then be shaped by the injection molding process. Artificial aging processes of the obtained composites will be done under UV and UV+water for 2 and 4 weeks, respectively. The reason for choosing UV and UV+water processes is that UV and water processes have not been applied together at the same time and there is not much knowledge in the literature on this subject. Mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of composites were investigated.