Preparation and characterization of zeolite beta-polyurethane composite membranes

Incorporation of zeolite into polyurethane (PU) membranes was investigated by using as-synthesized and calcined zeolite beta particles at two different loading contents (0.1 and 1 wt %). The chemical interaction between the zeolite beta crystals and PU was observed by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. The SEM results suggested that the calcined zeolite beta crystals were more homogeneously dispersed in the composite membranes than the assynthesized zeolite beta crystals. DMA results demonstrated that all composite membranes had higher storage modulus in the rubbery state and higher stability towards thermal and mechanical degradation with respect to the control groups. Tensile testing results also showed increased tensile strength and elongation at break for all composite membranes. This study suggests that incorporating zeolite beta in its as-synthesized or calcined forms and at different amounts can be applied as an alternative method for tailoring the mechanical properties of PU membranes without changing its structural characteristics. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 3378-3387, 2007.