Effect of Filler Loading on Properties of Polyurethane/Clay Composites

Abstract This paper discusses about the effected of filler loading on properties of polyurethane/clay composites. Polyurethanes materials have been developed strongly in the world, proving it to be one of the most versatile polymers. Segmented polyurethanes are very versatile materials, which can display properties ranging from very soft thermoset elastomer to strong. The objective of this study is to investigate the behaviour of polyurethane/clay composites, in term of strength, swelling behaviour and morphology properties. Polyurethanes based on diisocyanate molecule with diol were prepared by stoichiometric reaction 1:1 and 1:2 ratios of diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and polyethylene glaycol (PEG 400). In both ratios, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10% and 20% of clay were added as filler loading. Polyethylene glaycol (PEG 400) and clay are mixed together to become homogenous around 300 r.p.m. at room temperature for 10 minutes. After that, the solutions mixture with diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and are mixed again for 15 minutes around 300 rpm. The effect of adding clay was assessed by several testing method; compression test, swelling behaviors, spectroscopy infrared (FTIR) study and scanning electron microscope. Compression test result shows, with increasing percent of clay, the strength are increase for both of the ratio, 1:1 and 1:2. For swelling behaviors, from swelling index, result 1:1 ratio is better than 1:2 ratio. From infrared spectroscopy observation, the clay structure improved the hard segment of polyurethanes/clay composites. SEM micrograph of surface polyurethanes/clay composites observation shows, the structure of cell is homogenous; it is proved that chemical solution and clay are mixed together.