Preparation of β-cyclodextrin reinforced waterborne polyurethane nanocomposites with excellent mechanical and self-healing property

Cyclodextrin is an eco-friendly material with extensive application range. In this work, polyethylene glycol (PEG) modified β-cyclodextrin (CD) was added to a self-healing waterborne polyurethane (SHWPU) through a simple solution blending method. The morphologies, chemical structures, emulsion stability, thermal behavior, mechanical and self-healing properties of the SHWPU/CD nanocomposites were investigated. The results indicated that CDs were well dispersed in the SHWPU matrix and the blended emulsions were stable. The thermal stability of the SHWPU was improved by the addition of CD. When the mass fraction of CD was lower than 5%, the mechanical and self-healing property of the nanocomposites were obviously improved, which indicates the CD modified SHWPU can find potential applications in durable coatings and adhesives in areas, such as textile, wood, aerospace and infrastructure.