The effect of microstructure on the mechanical properties of thermoplastic polyurethane/claynanocomposite foams

Xinchao Wang, Hrishikesh Kharbas, Mcnulty Jason, Chuntai Liu, Lih Sheng Turng, Changyu Shen*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The microstructure and mechanical properties of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/organoclay nano-composite foams were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mechanical tests. The cell diameters of the TPU/clay foams became smaller, and the cell numbers significantly increased as the clay content increased. The relationship between clay content and the mechanical properties of TPU/clay foams was also investigated. The results showed that the mass density of nanocomposite foams was lowered by 12.5% when the clay loading level was 5% in the nanocomposite foams. Meanwhile, the tensile strength at 300% strain of the nanocomposite foams with 5% clay increased by 56.3%. Thus, this study shows that light weight, high strength TPU/clay nanocomposite foams can be produced by loading a moderate amount of clay into the TPU matrix.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationANTEC 2015 - Proceedings of the Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition of the Society of Plastics Engineers
PublisherSociety of Plastics Engineers
Pages2767-2770
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9780985011277
StatePublished - 2015
Externally publishedYes
Event73rd Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition of the Society of Plastics Engineers, SPE ANTEC Orlando 2015 - Orlando, United States
Duration: 23 03 201525 03 2015

Publication series

NameAnnual Technical Conference - ANTEC, Conference Proceedings

Conference

Conference73rd Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition of the Society of Plastics Engineers, SPE ANTEC Orlando 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando
Period23/03/1525/03/15

Keywords

  • Clay nanocomposites
  • Microcellular molding
  • TPU

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