Highly stretchable nanoalginate based polyurethane elastomers

• Novel elastomeric samples were prepared from cationic polyurethanes and alginate.
• Extremely stretchable properties appeared for prepared samples.
• Novel nanoparticles of sodium alginate were found in micro-structure studies.
• Excellent compatibility was shown for samples containing alginate below 10%.

Highly stretchable elastomeric samples based on cationic polyurethane dispersions–sodium alginate nanoparticles (CPUD/SA) were prepared by the solution blending of sodium alginate and aqueous polyurethane dispersions. CPUDs were synthesized by step growth polymerization technique using N-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) as a source of cationic emulsifier. The chemical structure and thermal–mechanical properties of these systems were characterized using FTIR and DMTA, respectively. The presence of nanoalginate particles including nanobead and nanorod particles were proved by SEM and EDX. It was observed that thermal properties of composites increased with increasing SA content. All prepared samples were known as thermoplastic-elastomers with high percentages of elongation. Excellent compatibility of prepared nanocomposites was proved by the DMTA data.