Thermal, mechanical and morphological properties of polyurethane–zirconia loading

Abstract

The polyurethane (PU) has been showing a dramatic increase in applications related to material science and technology. However, the mechanical, physical and thermal properties could be further improved by loading PU with zirconia (Zr) to create renewable materials known as polyurethane–zirconia (PUZ) composites. In this study, PU matrix was treated with wt.% Zr at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0. In this study, the thermo-mechanical properties and the morphology were investigated of PU and PUZ nano-samples. The images of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) were the prime tool in investigating PU and PUZ surfaces and fractured surfaces showing vanishing the cracks and formation of agglomeration on the sample PUZ-1.5%. In addition, the tensile strength, Young’s modulus and maximum loading were improved by 36.7, 31.8 and 39.1%, respectively, at Zr loading of 1.5 wt.%. The flexural stress and the load were improved by 94.3% and 93.6%, respectively, when Zr loading was 1.5 wt.%. The impact without and with a notch was improved by 110.7% and 62.6%, respectively, at Zr loading of 1.5 wt.%. The the morphologies of the PU surface and Zr surface supported by SEM images. Regarding the storage modulus ability of PU and PUZ composites, Zr loading has negatively influenced E. The E functioning temperature was observed to move from 142 to 183°C. Another effect was determined by adding a small amount of Zr. This small amount was enough to shift the crystallization temperature (${T}_c$) and the melting temperature (${T}_m$) of PU from 125 to 129°C and from 150 to 144°C, respectively.

Selected technical ceramics as nanoreinforcement for polyvinyl butyral/epoxy polymer composites

“…When used as nanoreinforcements in polymer composites, technical ceramics can significantly improve the mechanical and physical properties of the composite material, i.e. enhance the stiffness, strength, toughness and thermal stability of the material [9][10][11][12][13]. Nanoceramics were applied in armour materials against blunt trauma, even against high-velocity ammunition [8,14,15].…”

“…Nanoceramics were applied in armour materials against blunt trauma, even against high-velocity ammunition [8,14,15]. Some of the commonly used technical ceramics as nanoreinforcements in polymer composites include alumina, zirconia, silicon carbide and titanium dioxide [10][11][12][13]. The addition of technical ceramics to polymer composites also enhances the resistance of the material to wear and chemical agents, making it suitable for a wide range of applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics and medical application.…”

Isocyanate‐free urethane modified vinyl ester resin: synthesis, characterization and mechanical properties

“…Isocyanates as the main raw material used in PU fabrication cause adverse health impacts. [6][7][8] Therefore, non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) is the best alternative strategy for PU synthesis. Polycondensation, ring-opening polymerization and step-growth polyaddition are three general approaches for NIPU production.…”

“…These unique polymers demonstrate outstanding mechanical and physical characteristics such as elasticity, toughness, durability and abrasive resistance. Isocyanates as the main raw material used in PU fabrication cause adverse health impacts 6–8 . Therefore, non‐isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) is the best alternative strategy for PU synthesis.…”