Contribution of surface silanization process on mechanical characteristics of TPU‐based composites involving feldspar and quartz minerals

Abstract

In this study, quartz and feldspar powders were surface treated using a silane coupling agent to achieve a more compatible mineral surface with the polymer matrix. Details of surface characteristics of minerals were examined by energydissipative X-ray spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, and infrared spectroscopy. Thermoplastic polyurethane-TPU was compounded with minerals using the melt-blending technique. Mechanical, thermo-mechanical, meltflow, and morphological characterizations of TPU and relevant composites were performed by utilizing tensile and Shore hardness tests, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), melt flow index (MFI) measurements, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Water repellency of TPU and composites were also evaluated experimentally. Effects of surface treatments were discussed by comparing the results of composites filled with pristine and modified minerals. Results revealed that enrichment of quartz and feldspar surfaces confer mechanical and thermo-mechanical performance of composites. Mineral inclusions caused no drastic changes to the MFI parameter of TPU. The silane layer on the mineral surface displayed a barrier effect to water uptake of composites. Homogeneous dispersion and improved interfacial adhesion of mineral particles to the TPU phase were confirmed with help of SEM observations. Quartz exhibited slightly higher performance thanks to its silicarich composition. The findings of this research exhibited the considerable influence of the silane layer on the mineral surface on the mechanical performance of TPU-based composites.

Mechanical Reinforcement of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Nanocomposites by Surface‐Modified Nanocellulose

“…[ 58 ] When the dispersion of alkyl‐chain‐modified ODA‐CNF was tested (Figure 1c), opposite results with good dispersion in DMF (average size ≈ 450 nm) and poor dispersion in water (average size ≈ 1.2 µm) were obtained. In addition to the DLS analysis, the hydrophobic nature of ODA‐CNFs can be determined by other methods such as surface tension, [ 59 ] surface wettability, [ 60 ] and Tyndall effect. [ 61 ] In this study, we illuminated a blue laser ( λ = 442 nm) to the aqueous and DMF suspensions of ODA‐CNFs to compare the Tyndall effect (see photos in Figure 1d).…”

Development of ductile green flame retardant poly(lactic acid) composites using hydromagnesite&huntite and bio‐based plasticizer

“…The low molecular mass plasticizer (acetyl tributyl citrate) with good solubility in PLA penetrates easily into spaces between PLA chains and reduces intermolecular attractions (hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, Van der Waals) between polymer chains. [26,27,29,49] The energy required for molecular motions decreases with increased free volume and reduced intermolecular forces. Thus, the segmental mobility (flexibility) is extended with the plasticizer content.…”

Application of sustainable treatments to fiber surface for performance improvement of elastomeric polyurethane reinforced with basalt fiber

“…[43,44] A similar peak at 430 cm À1 can be observed for ES-BF due to the presence of the silane layer on the BF surface. [45][46][47] Another specific FTIR band can be seen at nearly 700 cm À1 as a necking band stem from the anorthite crystal portion which includes a form of aluminosilicate in basalt structure (2). The formation of an anorthite component during the melting stage of basalt rock to achieve fiber form was described in the literature.…”