Preparation of waterborne hyperbranched polyurethane acrylate/LDH nanocomposite

A series of novel waterborne hyperbranched polyurethane acrylate (WHPUA)/layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposites based on hyperbranched aliphatic polyester Boltorn H20 (H20) and MgAl-LDH were successfully synthesized by in situ polymerization approach. The MgAl-LDH was firstly modified by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) through the coprecipitation method, and then grafted by isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), forming a complex with NCO groups at the surface and interlayer of LDH (LDH-DS-NCO). The residual hydroxyl groups after modification with succinic anhydride were crosslinked by the semi-adduct of IPDI reacted with HEA, and LDH-DS-NCO, followed by a neutralization reaction with triethylamine. The resulting water dispersible hyperbranched polyurethane acrylate WHPUA/LDH hybrid oligomer was then exposed to a medium pressure mercury lamp, forming a partially exfoliated WHPUA/LDH nanocomposite in the presence of a fragmental photoinitiator. The chemical structure, crystal configuration, morphology of WHPUA/LDH nanocomposite were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The experimental results indicated that both the intercalated and exfoliated structures were formed in the UV cured polymer/LDH nanocomposite. The TGA results showed that the thermal stability was improved. Moreover, the pencil hardness was greatly increased, and the flexibility remained at an acceptable level for the UV cured polymer/LDH nanocomposites.

► We successfully prepared waterborne hyperbranched polyurethane acrylate/LDH nanocomposites. ► The inorganic LDH particles were successfully modified with IPDI via chemical bond linkage. ► WHPUA and LDH are covalently combined and LDH was partially exfoliated by WHPUA. ► The WHPUA/LDH nanocomposites exhibited better thermal stability than the pure WHPUA.