Montmorillonite Nanoparticles Research Articles

Effect Of Montmorillonite Incorporation on Shear Bond Strength And Surface Hardness Of Acrylic Base Soft Lining Material (In Vitro Study)

Abstract Objective: One problem with the soft lining material is that it detaches from the acrylic base of dentures after a particular time period. So, the aim of this work was to evaluate how adding Montmorillonite nano clay would affect the soft lining material's shear bond strength and surface hardness. Materials and Methods: The heat-cured acrylic denture material for the control group, polymer reinforced with (0.25%,0.5% by wt.) of montmorillonite nanoparticles for experimental groups was used in this study. For the shear bond strength test 60 blocks of acrylic-based material were constructed, each pair connected with soft lining material, the other 30 specimens for the surface hardness tests were carried out. to be tested with a shore A durometer. The data were statistically examined using the One-Way ANOVA test and Bonferroni multiple comparisons test. Result: 0.5% by weight MMTNPS should significantly increase in both shear bonding strength and surface hardness . Conclusion: MMTNPs were remarkably successful in improving the the strength of the shear connection between acrylic and soft liners.

New insights into physicochemical aspects involved in the formation of chitosan@alginate biobased polyelectrolyte complexes on natural montmorillonite clay surface

The use of alginate@chitosan-based polyelectrolyte complexes (PEC) in encapsulation process is common due to the electrostatic interactions between the two oppositely charged biopolymers. However, the incorporation of montmorillonite (Mt) particles in the complex formation for improving the encapsulation efficiency as well as the physicochemical properties of PEC remains a challenge due to the competitive polymer–polymer and polymer-nanoparticle interactions. This study aimed to investigate the binding mechanism of alginate and chitosan through layer-by-layer approach in the presence of montmorillonite nanoparticles as a function of pH and the addition order of the components. Various techniques were employed to examine the formation of the alginate@chitosan PEC on the surface of Mt, such as zeta potential, conductivity and turbidity measurements. The characterization of the different PEC systems was performed using Fourier Transformed Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA). The results indicate that the formation of the complex is pH-dependent. The highest intercalation of the complex was observed when chitosan was added first at a lower pH, while the intercalation was reduced at neutral pH. Additionally, the thermal stability of PEC was enhanced in the presence of montmorillonite, and was dependent on both pH and the order of addition of the biopolymers. This study provides a new understanding of the complex formation mechanism between alginate and chitosan in the presence of montmorillonite nanoparticles, showing that the combination of biopolymer-based PEC with clay particles can potentially provide a low-cost, more stable and effective nanocomposite for encapsulation and delivery of active agents.

Synthesis, characterization, cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of a nanostructured mineral clay

Clay minerals nanostructured appear as an alternative to increase textural property and mechanical strength, such as montmorillonite (MMT-NPs). Nanocomposites are nanomaterials made up of a matrix and reinforcement, to obtain a higher quality nanomaterial. In parallel, (agro)industrial waste constitutes a major socio-environmental problem, such as rice husk (RH - a source of silica) and residual sludge (RS – a source of silica and aluminum). In this context, the present work aims to synthesize and characterize montmorillonite nanoparticles (MMT-NPs) for use as nanocomposite support to evaluate the safety profile in 293T embryonic kidney human and antimicrobial activity against E. coli, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa strains. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed the presence of characteristic peaks of montmorillonite in the crystalline phases of the neighborite, muscovite, kaolinite and quartz low. Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectra indicated the stretching of Si-O-Si (at 991.29 cm−1) and Si-O-Al at 470.54 cm−1. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) micrographs indicated a heterogeneous morphology with a semicube shape and composition containing sodium, aluminum, potassium, and magnesium. MMT-NPs showed type V isotherms with H3 hysteresis (mesoporous characteristics) and SBET = 18 ± 0.2 m2 g−1, Dp = 33.5 ± 0.5 nm with zeta potential (ZP) of the −18.2 ± 0.4 mV and a contact angle around 26.1°. Biological results showed a minimal antibacterial inhibition concentration against S. aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa of the 15.6, 500 and 500 mg L−1, respectively. Furthermore, the safety profile of MMT-NPs using 293T cells indicated the 100% concentration as safe (>60% cells) and showed the release of reactive oxygen species and nitrates and nitrites similar to the negative control. Therefore, it was possible to synthesize montmorillonite nanoparticles from rice husk and residual sludge for use as a nanocomposite matrix, correlating sustainability and environmental nanotechnology.

Adsorption of Different Ionic Types of Polyacrylamide on Montmorillonite Surface: Insight from QCM-D and Molecular Dynamic Simulation.

This study investigates the interaction between montmorillonite and polyacrylamide (PAM) with different ionic types using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The goal was to understand the effect of ionicity and ionic type on polymer deposition on montmorillonite surfaces. The results of the QCM-D analysis showed that a decrease in pH led to an increase in the adsorption of montmorillonite on the alumina surface. The ranking of adsorption mass on alumina and pre-adsorbed montmorillonite alumina surfaces was found to be cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) > polyacrylamide (NPAM) > anionic polyacrylamide (APAM). The study also found that CPAM had the strongest bridging effect on montmorillonite nanoparticles, followed by NPAM, while APAM had a negligible bridging effect. The MD simulations showed that ionicity had a significant influence on the adsorption of polyacrylamides. The cationic functional group N(CH3)3+ had the strongest attraction interaction with the montmorillonite surface, followed by the hydrogen bonding interaction of the amide functional group CONH2, and the anionic functional group COO- had a repulsive interaction. The results suggest that at high ionicity levels, CPAM can be adsorbed on the montmorillonite surface, while at low ionicity levels, APAM may still be adsorbed with a strong coordination trend.

The Effect of Hybridizing Natural Fibers and Adding Montmorillonite Nanoparticles on the Impact and Bending Properties of Eco‐Friendly Metal/Composite Laminates

This study aims to fabricate eco‐friendly fiber metal laminates (FMLs) with acceptable flexural and impact properties. For this reason, the jute and basalt fibers are hybridized into the epoxy matrix and then sandwiched between 2024 aluminum layers. After that, various contents of montmorillonite nanoparticles are dispersed in these structures to enhance these mechanical properties. To characterize the effect of hybridizing fibers and incorporating nanoparticles, macrostructural and microstructural investigations are performed. In hybrid structures, the highest flexural and impact properties are achieved, when the basalt layers are placed as exterior layers of the composite core. However, in the FMLs containing nanoclay particles, the FMLs with the 1.5 or 3 wt% nanoclay have an acceptable improvement in the mechanical properties, which relates to the exfoliated or intercalated structure of nanoclay. Creating nanocomposite interlocks on the surface of aluminum layers, enhancing the adhesion bonding at the interface of metal/composite, and improving the adhesion between jute or basalt fibers with the epoxy matrix are the distinct improving mechanisms, which are characterized by macro‐ and microstructural methods.

Fabrication and characterization of a newly designed nanocomposite scaffold based on a gelatin network comprising multi-walled carbon nanotube and sodium montmorillonite nanoparticles

In this decade, the preparation of porous scaffold as a template resembling the extra-cellular matrix with the ability to induce bone-like apatite formation is highly demanded. In the present study, a newly designed nanocomposite scaffold based on a gelatin network comprising multi-walled carbon nanotube (CNT-COOH) and sodium montmorillonite nanoparticles (Na-Mt) was synthesized. The nanocomposite scaffolds were characterized by mechanical testing, porosity measurements FTIR, XRD, FESEM, and EDS. The inclusion of CNT-COOH and Na-Mt nanoparticles facilitated the deposition of Ca2+, CO32-, PO43- ions outside of the scaffolds after 14 days of soaking them in simulated body fluid (SBF). The highly porous scaffold with average pore size and mean porosity of 62.3 μm and 88.6 %, respectively exhibited 70.7 % swelling. By the introduction of the nanoparticles into the gelatin matrix, the mechanical properties of the composite scaffolds increased efficiently and contrarily their enzymatic degradation rate decreased. Elastic modulus and compressive strength of the introduced scaffold were reached 0.46 GPa and 3.71 MPa, respectively. In addition, the scaffold using NIR laser with different irradiation times showed high photothermal efficiency. Furthermore, cell cultures were carried out in the presence of in situ scaffold extracts and results revealed good biocompatibility of the scaffold without any cytotoxicity. Therefore, the prepared scaffolds with excellent microstructure, mechanical properties, biocompatibility, bone-like apatite mineralization capacity, and photothermal performance hold great potential for tissue engineering.

Synthesis of p(HEMA-co-AETAC) nanocomposite hydrogel with vinyl-function montmorillonite nanoparticles and effective removal of methyl orange from aqueous solution

It has become crucial to develop new adsorbents to remove toxic dye wastes from wastewater to protect our existing aquatic ecosystem. Here, to remove methyl orange azo dye from aqueous solutions, a new p(HEMA-co-AETAC)/VMt nanocomposite hydrogel was prepared by using 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and [2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride monomers using vinyl-based montmorillonite crosslinker. Obtained new types of crosslinker and nanocomposite hydrogels have been characterized by various analysis methods. In addition, the effects of crosslinker amount, monomer amount and pH on the swelling behavior of nanocomposite hydrogel were investigated. The effects of essential parameters such as contact time, initial dye concentration, pH effect of the solution, adsorbent amount, and temperature on adsorption were evaluated. It was determined that there was no significant change in the adsorption ability of the nanocomposite hydrogel in the pH range of 3–10. Experimental results showed that the Langmuir isotherm model fit better, and the calculated maximum adsorption capacity was 961.54 mg/g. In addition, it was determined that vinyl-based montmorillonite used as a crosslinker supported MO adsorption. p(HEMA-co-AETAC)/VMt nanocomposite hydrogel may be a new type of adsorbent to remove toxic synthetic dye residues from aqueous media.

Evaluating nano Primal AC33 for protection and consolidation processes of archaeological pottery: a comparison study with silica and montmorillonite nanoparticles

PurposeThis study aims to offer an effective nanocomposite for potential use to consolidate and protect deteriorated archaeological pottery.Design/methodology/approachThree nanocomposites were used in the experimental study. This study used nano Primal AC33, silicon dioxide (SiO2) and montmorillonite (MMT) nanoparticles to protect and consolidate pottery specimens. Pottery specimens were made at 800°C for this investigation. Consolidation materials were applied with a brush. The properties of the treated pottery specimens were assessed using several methods such as digital and scanning electron microscopes, static water contact angle, color alteration, physical properties and compressive strength.FindingsMicroscopic examination indicated the ability of the nano Primal AC33/MMT nanocomposites to cover the outer surface well and bind the inner granules. Concerning specimens with code F treated with nano Primal AC33 5%/MMT 3% nanocomposites, it achieved an increase in contact angle (120°), density (1.23 g/cm3) and compressive strength (561 kg/cm2), as well as a decrease in color change (ΔE = 2.62), water absorption (4.45%) and porosity (5.46%). The novelty of the results is due to the characteristics of nano Primal AC33 5%/MMT 3% nanocomposites used in the current study.Originality/valueThis study describes the significant results of the analytical methods used for evaluating consolidation materials used in this study. The findings offer useful information for the protection of archaeological pottery. The investigation indicated that nano Primal AC33 5%/MMT 3% nanocomposites gave the best results. Therefore, it is recommended to use this nanocomposite to consolidate archaeological pottery. As a result, the current work provides a promising first step in conserving archaeological pottery for future studies.

Osteoimmunity-regulating nanosilicate-reinforced hydrogels for enhancing osseointegration.

Following the introduction of osteo-immunomodulation as a new and important strategy to enhance material osseointegration, achieving an appropriate immune response after biomaterial implantation has become a significant challenge for efficient bone repair. In this study, a nanosilicate-reinforced sodium alginate (SA) hydrogel was fabricated by introducing montmorillonite (MMT) nanoparticles. Meanwhile, an immunogenically bioactive agent, harmine (HM), was loaded and released to induce macrophage differentiation into the M2 type. The fabricated SA/MMT/HM (SMH) hydrogel exhibited improved mechanical stiffness and stability, which also efficiently promoted macrophage anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype polarization and enhanced the secretion of pro-tissue healing cytokines for inducing a favorable immunomodulatory microenvironment for the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). Furthermore, a rat air-pouch model and a critical-size bone defect model were used and the results showed that the SMH hydrogel increased the proportion of M2 macrophages and markedly reduced local inflammation, while enhancing desirable new bone formation. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the SMH hydrogel accelerated the M1-to-M2 transition of macrophages by inhibiting relevant inflammatory signaling pathways and activating the PI3K-AKT1 signaling pathway. Taken together, this high-intensity immunomodulatory hydrogel may be a promising biomaterial for bone regeneration and provide a valuable base and positive enlightenment for massive bone defect repair.

Bitumen improvement with bio-oil and natural or organomodified montmorillonite: Structure, rheology, and adhesion of composite asphalt binders

The use of nanoscale particles and modifiers from renewable raw materials are modern approaches to improving the properties of existing materials. This paper examines the combined application of montmorillonite nanoparticles (10–30%) and bio-oil (5–20%) to improve the properties of bitumen binder. A study of the rheological and wetting properties of bitumen has shown that the addition of 10% bio-oil alone maximizes the adhesion of bitumen to silicate surface without a noticeable deterioration in the fluidity of its melt. Due to bitumen’s hydrophobicity and bio-oil’s hydrophilicity, montmorillonite was considered in two variants: hydrophilic (natural) and hydrophobic (organomodified). Hydrophilic particles form submillimeter aggregates in the bitumen medium, reduce its viscosity at low content and high temperatures, and shift the solid–liquid transition point towards lower temperatures. In addition, these particles increase the bitumen’s stiffness upon cooling, its cohesion and adhesion, but slightly worsen the low-frequency elasticity. Hydrophobic clay affects the bitumen’s properties more strongly, which is due to its exfoliation to nanoscale particles. This clay causes the gelling of bitumen binder at high concentrations over a wide temperature range, significantly improving its elasticity, stiffness, cohesion, and adhesion. Hydrophobic particles are better suited to produce a high-quality binder but make it highly viscous.

Improving flame retardant and smoke suppression efficiency for PBS by adding a tannin surface and interfacial modified IFR/MMT synergist

A modified intumescent flame retardants/montmorillonite synergist with highly fire resistance and smoke suppression efficiency, based on the surface and interfacial modification of tannin, including bistratal microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate particles (TFR), and Fe3+ chelated tannin exfoliated montmorillonite nanoparticles (TM), was fabricated and used to prepare PBS based composites. TM exhibited excellent flame retardant and smoke suppression efficiency. With the incorporation of 5 wt% TM (95P/5TM), 30.8 % of limited oxygen index (LOI) value and UL-94 V-1 rating of composite could be achieved, and the total smoke production (TSP) of 95P/5TM decreased by 77.4 % compared with pure PBS, indicating its excellent smoke suppression effect. When the TFR and TM loadings were 24 wt% and 1 wt%, respectively, 36.8 % of LOI value and UL-94 V-0 rating of composite (75P/24TR/1TM) could be achieved, as well as 62.9 % lowered TSP compared with pure PBS. Tannin participated in both the condensed phase and gaseous phase reactions, and improved the carbon forming capacity during combustion. The enhanced flame retardant and smoke suppression efficiency for synergist were a combined result of catalytic, synergistic and physical shielding effects. This work offers a novel routing for fabricating polymer composites with excellent flame retardant and smoke suppression efficiency with the incorporation of natural polyphenols.

Investigation of the Mechanical Properties for Polymer Reinforced by Nanoparticles with Considering Viscoelasticity of the Matrix

Investigation of the Mechanical Properties for Polymer Reinforced by Nanoparticles with Considering Viscoelasticity of the Matrix

Nanosilicate-Reinforced Silk Fibroin Hydrogel for Endogenous Regeneration of Both Cartilage and Subchondral Bone.

Osteochondral defects are characterized by injuries to both cartilage and subchondral bone, which is a result of trauma, inflammation, or inappropriate loading. Due to the unique biological properties of subchondral bone and cartilage, developing a tissue engineering scaffold that can promote dual-lineage regeneration of cartilage and bone simultaneously remains a great challenge. In this study, a microporous nanosilicate-reinforced enzymatically crosslinked silk fibroin (SF) hydrogel is fabricated by introducing montmorillonite (MMT) nanoparticles via intercalation chemistry. In vitro studies show that SF-MMT nanocomposite hydrogel has improved mechanical properties and hydrophilicity, as well as the bioactivities to promote the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and maintain chondrocyte phenotype compared with SF hydrogel. Global proteomic analysis verifies the dual-lineage bioactivities of SF-MMT nanocomposite hydrogel, which are probably regulated by multiple signaling pathways. Furthermore, it is observed that the biophysical interaction of cells and SF-MMT nanocomposite hydrogel is partially mediated by clathrin-mediated endocytosis and its downstream processes. In vivo, the SF-MMT nanocomposite hydrogel effectively promotes osteochondral regeneration as evidenced by macroscopic, micro-CT, and histological evaluation. In conclusion, a functionalized SF-MMT nanocomposite hydrogel is developed with dual-lineage bioactivity for osteochondral regeneration, indicating its potential in osteochondral tissue engineering.

A novel pH-responsive nanoniosomal emulsion for sustained release of curcumin from a chitosan-based nanocarrier: Emphasis on the concurrent improvement of loading, sustained release, and apoptosis induction.

Curcumin application as an anti-cancer drug is faced with several impediments. This study has developed a platform that facilitates the sustained release of curcumin, improves loading efficiency, and anti-cancer activity. Montmorillonite (MMT) nanoparticles were added to chitosan (CS)-agarose (Aga) hydrogel and then loaded with curcumin (Cur) to prepare a curcumin-loaded nanocomposite hydrogel. The loading capacity increased from 63% to 76% by adding MMT nanoparticles to a chitosan-agarose hydrogel. Loading the fabricated nanocomposite in the nanoniosomal emulsion resulted in sustained release of curcumin under acidic conditions. Release kinetics analysis showed diffusion and erosion are the dominant release mechanisms, indicating non-fickian (or anomalous) transport based on the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. FTIR spectra confirmed that all nanocomposite components were present in the fabricated nanocomposite. Besides, XRD results corroborated the amorphous structure of the prepared nanocomposite. Zeta potential results corroborated the stability of the fabricated nanocarrier. Cytotoxicity of the prepared CS-Aga-MMT-Cur on MCF-7 cells was comparable with that of curcumin-treated cells (p< 0.001). Moreover, the percentage of apoptotic cells increased due to the enhanced release profile resulting from the addition of MMT to the hydrogel and the incorporation of the fabricated nanocomposite into the nanoniosomal emulsion. To recapitulate, the current delivery platform improved loading, sustained release, and curcumin anti-cancer effect. Hence, this platform could be a potential candidate to mitigate cancer therapy restrictions with curcumin.

Thermal and flame-retardant properties of multilayered composites prepared through novel multilayering approach

Thermal and flame-retardant properties of traditional composites have limitations that are not satisfied for the various applications. Multilayered materials have great potential to improve material properties. The present paper focused on designing new multilayering approach to fabricate flame retardant multilayered materials with a very basic instrument and several simple steps. Montmorillonite nanoparticles filled maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene composites were prepared by the melt-blending method, and the multilayered composites with polypropylene alternating multilayers were fabricated by the quadruple-layering approach. The multilayer structure was characterized by the scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectrometer. The influence of layer structure on the thermal stability, thermal conductivity and flame-retardant properties was investigated by the comparison with the conventional composites. Multilayered composites showed enhanced flame-retardant properties with lower peak heat release rate and better char formation compared to conventional composites with the same mass fraction of montmorillonite. Multilayered composites had higher mass fraction of montmorillonite in filled layers and no fillers in other layers, which caused the unequal distribution of montmorillonite, resulting in changes of thermal and flame-retardant properties of the materials especially in the perpendicular direction to the film surface. This study demonstrates a unique multilayering approach that has potential to be used in variety applications such as food and medical packaging.

Self‐Healing Clay/Epoxy Composites Prepared from Clay‐Modified Microcapsules

AbstractUrea‐formaldehyde microcapsules were made in the presence of montmorillonite (MMT) nanoparticles by in‐situ polymerization and characterized with different methods. To monitor the presence of MMT and Dicyclopentadiene in microcapsules. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra was taken from samples. Distribution of microcapsule‘s diameters was studied by optical microscopy (OM) micrographs. Size distribution analysis showed that the average diameter of the microcapsules decreased from 130 (in the neat microcapsules) to 85 μm in MMT modified microcapsules. Surface and shell wall of microcapsules have an important role in their capability. Therefore, surface roughness and shell barrier properties were investigated by AFM micrographs and Thermogravimetry analysis. Results of both the methods showed improved features in MMT modified microcapsules. The synthesized microcapsules were used in MMT/epoxy nanocomposite as the healing agent and a coated glass monitored under optical microscope before and after crack demonstrating a good healing observed after 2 hours.

Mechanisms for cation exchange at the interfaces of montmorillonite nanoparticles: Insights for Pb2+ control

Montmorillonite is widely used to control heavy metals, while both external surfaces and strongly confined bihydrated (2WL) interlayers are known to adsorb heavy metals solely as outer-sphere of inferior stability. Here, mechanisms and critical specifics for controlling heavy metals by montmorillonite nanoparticles are unraveled by MD simulations. Competitive adsorption of binary K+/Pb2+ ions reveals that Pb2+ selectivities at different surfaces decline as edge > 2WL-interlayer > external. External surfaces where metal ions are “exchange adsorption” play a minor role for Pb2+ control; Edges cause “specific adsorption” for Pb2+ and become more important at lower Pb2+ fractions; 2WL-interlayers represent the major reservoir for metal ions and play a key role, owing to kinetic blocking of K+/Pb2+ exchange. Accordingly, preferred Pb2+ adsorption and unfavorable exchange kinetics, especially at interlayers, make montmorillonite efficient for Pb2+ control. Adsorption of metal ions and Pb2+ control are significantly regulated by interlayer water layers (nWL). 2WL is optimal for Pb2+ adsorption, while swelling to ≥ 4WL facilitates Pb2+ recycling. Diffuse layers are critical to K+/Pb2+ exchange and emerge at 4WL, where K+/Pb2+ exchange proceeds facilely as at external surfaces. Significant insights are given for Pb2+ control by montmorillonite and conduce to explore efficient adsorbents for heavy metals.

Strategies to Improve the Barrier and Mechanical Properties of Pectin Films for Food Packaging: Comparing Nanocomposites with Bilayers

Traditional food packaging systems help reduce food wastage, but they also produce environmental impacts when not properly disposed of. Bio-based polymers are a promising solution to overcome these impacts, but they have poor barrier and mechanical properties. This work evaluates two strategies to improve these properties in pectin films: the incorporation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) or sodium montmorillonite (MMT) nanoparticles, and an additional layer of chitosan (i.e., a bilayer film). The bionanocomposites and bilayer films were characterized in terms of optical, morphological, hygroscopic, mechanical and barrier properties. The inclusion of the nanofillers in the polymer reduced the water vapor permeability and the hydrophilicity of the films without compromising their visual properties (i.e., their transparency). However, the nanoparticles did not substantially improve the mechanical properties of the bionanocomposites. Regarding the bilayer films, FTIR and contact angle studies revealed no surface and/or chemical modifications, confirming only physical coating/lamination between the two polymers. These bilayer films exhibited a dense homogenous structure, with intermediate optical and hygroscopic properties. An additional layer of chitosan did not improve the mechanical, water vapor and oxygen barrier properties of the pectin films. However, this additional layer made the material more hydrophobic, which may play an important role in the application of pectin as a food packaging material.

Investigating the Effectiveness of Montmorillonite Nanoparticles in Polyacrylamide in Different Temperatures and Salinities

Investigating the Effectiveness of Montmorillonite Nanoparticles in Polyacrylamide in Different Temperatures and Salinities

The effect of OMMT reinforcement and annealing treatment on mechanical and thermal properties of Polyurethane Copolymer nanocomposites

This study focuses on a new fabrication of nanocomposite based on Polyurethane Copolymer (PUC) intercalated with organo-modified montmorillonite nanoparticles (OMMT), via an efficient combination of solution mixing and melt blending processes. The combination of solution mixing and melt interaction processes produced PUC/OMMT nanocomposites with enhanced properties. The OMMT filled PUC was characterised by TEM and tensile test. The effect of thermal treatment process was also studied due to subsequent microphase separation of PUC resulting from microdomain miscibility. TEM observation recognised a decent dispersion state of OMMT within PUC, owing to their exfoliated and intercalated structure. This morphology was greatly influenced by induced thermal treatment. The dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) revealed that storage modulus and glass transition temperature of the nanocomposites increased with OMMT incorporation. The tensile modulus and tensile strength of nanocomposites showed an improvement with the addition of OMMT.