Preparation, structure and properties of comb-branched waterborne polyurethane/OMMT nanocomposites

Comb-branched waterborne polyurethane/organo-montmorillonite (CWPU/OMMT) nanocomposites were prepared by in situ intercalating polymerization process based on the main materials including IPDI, DMPA, polycaprolactone diols, comb-branched polymeric diols and OMMT. The average particle size of emulsion increases and the particle size distribution of emulsion becomes broader with the increase of OMMT content. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) show that OMMT is homogeneously dispersed into the CWPU matrix with intercalated or exfoliated structure. The properties of CWPU/OMMT nanocomposites are dependent on OMMT content. When the OMMT content is 3 wt%, CWPU/OMMT nanocomposite exhibits excellent overall properties: the particle size of emulsion 63.6 nm, tensile strength 42.0 MPa, E′ 20.3 MPa at 80 °C, water absorption 13% at 24 h and surface contact angle for water over 100°.