Novel polyurethane nanocomposites based on toluene diisocyanate, poly(propylene glycol), various hyperbranched polymers (HBPs), and layered silicate were synthesized with the aim of determining the effect of the layered silicate loading and the functionality of HBP on the structure and properties of polyurethane nanocomposites. The microstructure of the nanocomposites was investigated by X-ray diffraction analysis and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. It was found that exfoliated morphology and good dispersion were obtained up to 8 phr clay loading for all of the nanocomposites. approximately 100% increment in tensile strength, approximately 2-fold increase in the lap shear strength, approximately 200% increment in the peel strength, and 120% increment in the storage modulus along with a dramatic improvement in thermal stability were observed with the addition of 8 phr clay, over the pristine polyurethane. The higher the level of functionality of the HBP, the higher is the property enhancement. These properties were correlated with the state of dispersion of the clay platelets in the polyurethane matrix, the structure of the matrix, and clay-polymer interaction.

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A novel flexible polyurethane was prepared using ionic liquid as crosslinker. It showed lower Tg, superelastomeric behavior with very high elongation, better tensile and oil resistance properties than a non-ionic crosslinked PU or a linear PU.

Elastomers and their composites are extensively used as a thermal insulation system in heat treatment, power generation, fire protection, and aerospace. Among different elastomers, low-density ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) has interesting properties, such as excellent resistance to aging and oxidative degradation due to its saturated back bone. Furthermore, introduction of polyimide (PI) to the base elastomer increases its thermal stability. On the other hand, carbon nanofiber (CNF) reinforces the matrix to enhance the mechanical properties with an additional advantage of better char yield. To achieve better rubber-filler compatibilization, modification of EPDM was carried out by grafting with maleic anhydride (MAH). Morphological studies by scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy exhibited uniform dispersion of nanofillers throughout MAH grafted EPDM matrix. Thermal properties of the EPDM/PI nanocomposites were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Besides these, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and specific heat were also measured. PI- and CNF-filled maleated EPDM composites showed very good physical and thermomechanical properties for high-temperature insulation compound.