Properties of waterborne polyurethanes based on polycarbonate diol reinforced with organophilic clay

Nanocomposite of waterborne polyurethane (PU) based on poly(hexamethylene carbonate) diol reinforced by organophilic clay was prepared. Exfoliation of silicate layer in PU was confirmed by x-ray diffraction pattern and transmission electron microscopy. Reinforcing effect of clay was examined by observing dynamic mechanical properties, tensile properties, and shore A hardness. The modulus increased as the content of clay in PU matrix was increased, and this increase was more evident when the PU matrix becomes soft at the temperature range above the glass transiton temperature of soft segment. Water swell was decreased and thermal resistance was increased as the content of clay was increased. Reduction of transparency by added clay was marginal.