# Preparation and Structural Properties of Free Films from Rapeseed Oil-Based Rigid Polyurethane-Montmorillonite Nanocomposites

Authors: Sergey Gaidukov; Ugis Cabulis; Karina Gromilova; Velta Tupureina; Agnese Grigalovica
Journal: International Journal of Polymer Science
 (2013)

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## Abstract

The preparation of free standing films of biobased rigid polyurethanes (PU) from rapeseed oil (RO) and diethanolamine (DEA) polyol and its modification with organomontmorillonite (OMMT) nanoparticles are described. Heat enthalpy of the interaction duringin situ mixing of RO/DEA polyol and OMMT is measured in isothermal profile. The Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis (FTIR-ATR) is used to determine the urethane group concentration and hydrogen bonds formation in PU and PU/OMMT nanocomposites. X-ray diffraction shows the formation of intercalated and exfoliated structures of OMMT. The glass-transition temperature is used to demonstrate the formation for the intercalated and exfoliated nanocomposites of an interphase with a possible compact structure and the altered polymer chain mobility. The prepared PU/OMMT nanocomposites are also characterized by the enhanced thermal degradation characteristics upon heating in air atmosphere.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

During the last decades, bioderived or biobased polymers from different initial raw materials have been widely produced and characterized [1, 2]. The main goal of such investigations is to replace the traditional sources of raw materials—derivatives of gas and oil fossils, that is, monomers, oligomers, and resins, with the biologically based or biologically derived ones [1–4]. For example, vegetable oils [4], bacteria and microorganism source products or byproducts [5], and wood chemical technology products (cellulose, lignin, etc.) [6] can be utilized to prepare plastics. Such polymeric materials are called biobased polymers or green polymers [7]. The strategy of such a substitution is quite obvious—the ecological reasons, as well as the legislation and high costs of petrochemical raw materials [8]. This is especially important due to the expected reduction in fossil oil and gas production.New ways of producing traditional plastics from natural vegetable oils and plant and wood derivatives are sought for. For example, biobased polyethylene terephthalate [9], polycarbonate [10], polyethylene [11], polyamide [12], epoxide oligomers [13], and polyurethanes [14] can be produced. Some of biobased polymers, for example, polyhydroxyalkanoates [15], polylactides [16], and starch [17] are fully biodegradable.The high versatility of the polyurethane raw materials allows manufacturing a large variety of products with different structures and properties. Generally, polyurethane (PU) is fabricated by a polycondensation reaction of low-molecular-weight components: polyols and isocyanates [14]. Recently, market and legislation trends have driven to apply environmental friendly, renewable components for production of PU. Thus, many investigations have been dedicated to the synthesis of polyols from different vegetable oils, as an alternative to current commercial polyols. For example, soybean [14], sunflower and rapeseed oil [18], palm kernel oil [19], castor oil [20], fatty acid [21], and fish oil [20].The preparation of polyurethane composites filled with montmorillonite (MMT) particles is widely used to enhance the mechanical and barrier properties. However, it is still a quite important and attractive problem how to homogeneously disperse particles at the nanoscale and increase their reinforcing efficiency in the matrix. Many authors [22–25] report a significant enhancement of the mechanical characteristics mostly for the different thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomers at the expense of the addition of very stiff inorganic MMT platelets with excellent reinforcing possibilities into the soft organic matrix. Biobased TPU nanocomposites are also widely investigated [22, 25, 26]. Polyurethane materials are well known mainly as rigid and flexible foams [27, 28]. The preparation of rapeseed oil based rigid polyurethane-montmorillonite nanocomposite in the shape of free standing films and coatings is not discussed properly.In this paper, we aim the formulation of polyurethanes with rapeseed oil-based polyols, and preparation of polyurethane composites with the properties improved by adding montmorillonite. In particular, the rapeseed-oil-based polyol is synthesized, blended with MMT nanoparticles in different concentrations, and employed in preparation of free films of rigid PU by solution casting method. We also examine structure-property relationship of the discussed material. Data of the X-ray diffraction analysis are presented, and results of the density, infrared spectroscopy, glass transition, and thermal tests of the nanocomposites prepared are reported.


## 2. Experimental Section

### 2.1. OMMT

Dellite 43B is an organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) supplied by the Laviosa Chimica Mineraria S.p.A. The OMMT is derived from a naturally occurring MMT, which is specially purified and modified with a high amount of dimethyl benzyl hydrogenated tallow ammonium salt. The characteristic parameters of the OMMT used are shown in Table1.Table 1
OMMT characteristics.
Nanoclay, OMMT
2θ, deg
d
001, nm
Exchanged organic salt
Loss in ignition, %
Dellite 43B
4.8
1.84
35


### 2.2. Rapeseed-Oil-Based Polyol

A rapeseed oil (RO) is used for synthesis of polyol in polyurethane fabrication. RO consists mainly of unsaturated fatty acids—oleic (56%), linoleic (26%) and linolenic acids (10%), and others—, saturated fatty acids—palmitic (4%) and stearic acids (2%)—, and other fatty acids (2%). Diethanolamide of a rapeseed oil is prepared by an amidization reaction in a flask. The rapeseed oil reacts with diethanolamine (DEA) in the presence of a zinc acetate catalyst in argon atmosphere. The polyol obtained is characterized by the RO/DEA ratio 1 : 2.5 moles, OH number 360 mg KOH/g, NH number 15 mg KOH/g, density 0.970 g/cm3, viscosity 710 mPa·s at 25°C, functionality fn=2.4, water content 0.04%, and content of biobased component of rapeseed oil in the polyol 77%. Chemical structure of prepared RO/DEA amide is shown in Figure 1.Figure 1
Structure of RO/DEA polyol, R-residue of saturated and unsaturated fatty acid C12-C22.


### 2.3. Isocyanate

Suprasec 2651 of the Huntsman Inc. was chosen as an isocyanate. It is a polymeric methylene diphenylene diisocyanate (MDI) (see Figure2) with NCO% of 31.8, density of 1.20 g/cm3, and viscosity of 30 mPa·s at 25°C.Figure 2
Polymeric methylene diphenylene diisocyanate (MDI).


### 2.4. Preparation of PU and PU/OMMT Nanocomposites

The procedure of fabrication of PU and PU/OMMT nanocomposites consists in the following [29]. Specimens in the shape of thin films are prepared from an anhydrous toluene (Aldrich) 50% solution at a temperature of 25°C. First, the OMMT is dispersed in toluene by mixing it with a magnetic dissolver for about 2 h until a 5 wt.% homogeneous gel-like solution is ready. Then, polyol is added, and the blend is stirred rigorously. Finally, isocyanate is added to the solution. The mixing proceeds up to the beginning of an exothermic reaction. The functional group ratio of NCO/OH is 1.20. The idealized structure of the synthesized PU is shown in Figure 3.Figure 3
Structure of the synthesized PU.The resulting solutions of polyol, isocyanate, and OMMT are casted on the Teflon surface and allowed to dry up until solidification under ambient conditions for 24 h. Then, the films are put in vacuum atp=0.1 atm and T=65°C for 24 hours. Thus, the films of thickness 150–200 μm are ready. In total, four series of specimens with a weight content Wf of OMMT in the amount of 0, 1, 3, and 7 wt.% were prepared and characterized.


### 2.5. Wide Angle X-Ray Diffraction Analysis

The structural investigations of the OMMT and the specimens in the form of solid films were performed by the method of a wide angle X-ray diffraction analysis (WAXD). The WAXD measurements were carried out on a Panalytical X’Pert PRO diffractometer at a temperature of 20°C. The monochromatic irradiation of CuKα with a wavelength of λ=0.154nmin the range of diffraction angles 2θ from 2 to 15 deg was used. The voltage was 40 kV and the scanning rate 0.125 deg/s.


### 2.6. Fourier Transform Infrared Analysis (FTIR-ATR)

The FTIR-ATR was used to study bonding in prepared PU and PU/OMMT nanocomposites. FTIR-ATR spectra of PU films were collected at a resolution of 4 cm−1 on a Nicolet 6700 in the region of 800–4000 cm−1. Sixteen measurements for every specimen were performed, and averaged spectrum is shown.


### 2.7. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)

The calorimetric tests were carried out on a Mettler DSC-1 instrument. Specimens about 10 mg in weight were scanned in three run modes:(1) heating, (2) cooling, and (3) heating, by using nitrogen as a purge gas in the temperature range from −100 to 150°C. The first heating ran at a rate of 10°C/min, and then the specimens were cooled at 100°C/min and repeatedly heated at 10°C/min. The glass-transition temperature Tg and the initial Tg1 and the final Tg2 glass-transition temperatures, respectively, were calculated from the experimental heating curves.Calorimetric study in the isothermal mode of thein situ mixing of polyol with OMMT is tested on SETARAM Instrumentation C80 Calorimeter. It is equipped with membrane mixing vessels that are adapted for in situ mixing and consecutive stirring of the reaction medium. Vessels with a maximal volume of 12.5 mL were used.The test of thein situ mixing of RO/DEA polyol and OMMT is performed by the use of DSC in the isothermal mode to evaluate their interaction, and the test procedure consisted in the following. About 94 mg of OMMT powder (around 5% of the oil) was placed in the lower compartment of a clean, dried membrane mixing vessel. An amount of 2 mL of RO/DEA was placed in the upper compartment of the vessel. The vessel was then introduced in the measurement well of the DSC C80, previously equilibrated at 50°C. To compensate phenomena linked to the heat of stirring, a membrane mixing vessel containing the same amount of RO/DEA of weight about 1850 mg in the lower chamber was placed in the reference well of the calorimeter. The system was left at 50°C during 45 minutes for equilibration.After a period of 3 minutes that allows recording a flat signal for baseline determination,in situ mixing of the OMMT and the RO/DEA was achieved by manually pushing and then mechanically stirring the mixing rod of the membrane mixing vessel. The experiment was stopped after 8 hours of isotherm.


### 2.8. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)

The thermogravimetric tests were performed on a Mettler TG50 instrument. Specimens about 10 mg in weight were heated in air up to 800°C. The material thermal stability was evaluated from the weight-loss heating curves. The weight loss of 20, 30, 50, and 75% was calculated, according to ASTM D3850, by using the Mettler original software.


### 2.9. Density

The densityρ was determined by weighing the material in air and ethanol on Sartorius KB BA 100 electronic scales equipped with a Sartorius YDK 01 hydrostatic density measurement kit. The density ρ of the specimens was estimated from (1)
(1)ρ=W(a)·(ρC2H5OH-0.0012)0.99983·(W(a)-WC2H5OH)+0.0012,
where W(a) is specimen weight in air;  W(C2H5OH) is specimen weight in ethanol; 0.0012 is density of air;ρ(C2H5OH) is density of ethanol; 0.99983 is correction coefficient.


## 2.1. OMMT

Dellite 43B is an organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) supplied by the Laviosa Chimica Mineraria S.p.A. The OMMT is derived from a naturally occurring MMT, which is specially purified and modified with a high amount of dimethyl benzyl hydrogenated tallow ammonium salt. The characteristic parameters of the OMMT used are shown in Table1.Table 1
OMMT characteristics.
Nanoclay, OMMT
2θ, deg
d
001, nm
Exchanged organic salt
Loss in ignition, %
Dellite 43B
4.8
1.84
35


## 2.2. Rapeseed-Oil-Based Polyol

A rapeseed oil (RO) is used for synthesis of polyol in polyurethane fabrication. RO consists mainly of unsaturated fatty acids—oleic (56%), linoleic (26%) and linolenic acids (10%), and others—, saturated fatty acids—palmitic (4%) and stearic acids (2%)—, and other fatty acids (2%). Diethanolamide of a rapeseed oil is prepared by an amidization reaction in a flask. The rapeseed oil reacts with diethanolamine (DEA) in the presence of a zinc acetate catalyst in argon atmosphere. The polyol obtained is characterized by the RO/DEA ratio 1 : 2.5 moles, OH number 360 mg KOH/g, NH number 15 mg KOH/g, density 0.970 g/cm3, viscosity 710 mPa·s at 25°C, functionality fn=2.4, water content 0.04%, and content of biobased component of rapeseed oil in the polyol 77%. Chemical structure of prepared RO/DEA amide is shown in Figure 1.Figure 1
Structure of RO/DEA polyol, R-residue of saturated and unsaturated fatty acid C12-C22.


## 2.3. Isocyanate

Suprasec 2651 of the Huntsman Inc. was chosen as an isocyanate. It is a polymeric methylene diphenylene diisocyanate (MDI) (see Figure2) with NCO% of 31.8, density of 1.20 g/cm3, and viscosity of 30 mPa·s at 25°C.Figure 2
Polymeric methylene diphenylene diisocyanate (MDI).


## 2.4. Preparation of PU and PU/OMMT Nanocomposites

The procedure of fabrication of PU and PU/OMMT nanocomposites consists in the following [29]. Specimens in the shape of thin films are prepared from an anhydrous toluene (Aldrich) 50% solution at a temperature of 25°C. First, the OMMT is dispersed in toluene by mixing it with a magnetic dissolver for about 2 h until a 5 wt.% homogeneous gel-like solution is ready. Then, polyol is added, and the blend is stirred rigorously. Finally, isocyanate is added to the solution. The mixing proceeds up to the beginning of an exothermic reaction. The functional group ratio of NCO/OH is 1.20. The idealized structure of the synthesized PU is shown in Figure 3.Figure 3
Structure of the synthesized PU.The resulting solutions of polyol, isocyanate, and OMMT are casted on the Teflon surface and allowed to dry up until solidification under ambient conditions for 24 h. Then, the films are put in vacuum atp=0.1 atm and T=65°C for 24 hours. Thus, the films of thickness 150–200 μm are ready. In total, four series of specimens with a weight content Wf of OMMT in the amount of 0, 1, 3, and 7 wt.% were prepared and characterized.


## 2.5. Wide Angle X-Ray Diffraction Analysis

The structural investigations of the OMMT and the specimens in the form of solid films were performed by the method of a wide angle X-ray diffraction analysis (WAXD). The WAXD measurements were carried out on a Panalytical X’Pert PRO diffractometer at a temperature of 20°C. The monochromatic irradiation of CuKα with a wavelength of λ=0.154nmin the range of diffraction angles 2θ from 2 to 15 deg was used. The voltage was 40 kV and the scanning rate 0.125 deg/s.


## 2.6. Fourier Transform Infrared Analysis (FTIR-ATR)

The FTIR-ATR was used to study bonding in prepared PU and PU/OMMT nanocomposites. FTIR-ATR spectra of PU films were collected at a resolution of 4 cm−1 on a Nicolet 6700 in the region of 800–4000 cm−1. Sixteen measurements for every specimen were performed, and averaged spectrum is shown.


## 2.7. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)

The calorimetric tests were carried out on a Mettler DSC-1 instrument. Specimens about 10 mg in weight were scanned in three run modes:(1) heating, (2) cooling, and (3) heating, by using nitrogen as a purge gas in the temperature range from −100 to 150°C. The first heating ran at a rate of 10°C/min, and then the specimens were cooled at 100°C/min and repeatedly heated at 10°C/min. The glass-transition temperature Tg and the initial Tg1 and the final Tg2 glass-transition temperatures, respectively, were calculated from the experimental heating curves.Calorimetric study in the isothermal mode of thein situ mixing of polyol with OMMT is tested on SETARAM Instrumentation C80 Calorimeter. It is equipped with membrane mixing vessels that are adapted for in situ mixing and consecutive stirring of the reaction medium. Vessels with a maximal volume of 12.5 mL were used.The test of thein situ mixing of RO/DEA polyol and OMMT is performed by the use of DSC in the isothermal mode to evaluate their interaction, and the test procedure consisted in the following. About 94 mg of OMMT powder (around 5% of the oil) was placed in the lower compartment of a clean, dried membrane mixing vessel. An amount of 2 mL of RO/DEA was placed in the upper compartment of the vessel. The vessel was then introduced in the measurement well of the DSC C80, previously equilibrated at 50°C. To compensate phenomena linked to the heat of stirring, a membrane mixing vessel containing the same amount of RO/DEA of weight about 1850 mg in the lower chamber was placed in the reference well of the calorimeter. The system was left at 50°C during 45 minutes for equilibration.After a period of 3 minutes that allows recording a flat signal for baseline determination,in situ mixing of the OMMT and the RO/DEA was achieved by manually pushing and then mechanically stirring the mixing rod of the membrane mixing vessel. The experiment was stopped after 8 hours of isotherm.


## 2.8. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)

The thermogravimetric tests were performed on a Mettler TG50 instrument. Specimens about 10 mg in weight were heated in air up to 800°C. The material thermal stability was evaluated from the weight-loss heating curves. The weight loss of 20, 30, 50, and 75% was calculated, according to ASTM D3850, by using the Mettler original software.


## 2.9. Density

The densityρ was determined by weighing the material in air and ethanol on Sartorius KB BA 100 electronic scales equipped with a Sartorius YDK 01 hydrostatic density measurement kit. The density ρ of the specimens was estimated from (1)
(1)ρ=W(a)·(ρC2H5OH-0.0012)0.99983·(W(a)-WC2H5OH)+0.0012,
where W(a) is specimen weight in air;  W(C2H5OH) is specimen weight in ethanol; 0.0012 is density of air;ρ(C2H5OH) is density of ethanol; 0.99983 is correction coefficient.


## 3. Results and Discussion

### 3.1. Calorimetric Study of theIn Situ Mixing of Polyol with OMMT

The aim of this measurement is to evaluate the isothermal profile of RO/DEA while mixing with OMMT using the calorimetric technique. Figure4 shows heat flow curves as a function of time for the mixture of component of RO/DEA and OMMT. An exothermic heat effect is recorded as soon as the mixing is initiated. This effect can be attributed to the heat of interaction of the two mixed compounds. The intensity of the exothermic phenomenon is relatively high while mixing the polyol RO/DEA with OMMT. That probably means that the interaction with the polyol is quite strong. The observed disturbances of the baseline can be attributed to the formation of OMMT agglomerates which move in the vessel during the mixing. The calculations results of the signal are as follows : heat of the enthalpy is −6.48 J/g, intensity is 7.20 mW/g, and the kinetic is 1 h.Figure 4
Heat flow as a function of time during mixing experiment of RO/DEA polyol with OMMT.


### 3.2. Wide Angle X-Ray Diffraction

WAXD measurements are performed for evaluation of intercalation-exfoliation of layered particles of OMMT. The diffraction data of the neat PU and OMMT and three PU/OMMT composites with a nanoparticle content of 1, 3, and 7 wt.%  are shown in Table2. It is seen that the diffraction pattern of the OMMT is characterized by a clear basal diffraction maximum, which corresponds to a periodically layered, placoid structure of OMMT platelet stacks, that is, packages. The characteristic basal maximum is obtained at 2θ=4.8° and d001=1.84nm. The neat PU is amorphous and has no diffraction pattern. The diffraction curve of a nanocomposite containing 1 wt.% OMMT does not show a clearly indicated diffraction maximum. At a content of OMMT about 3 wt.%, a very weak and unclear diffraction occurs, which can point to partly exfoliated platelet stacking. At an OMMT content of 7 wt.%, or 3.2 vol.%, two diffraction maxima appear at 2θ=4.8° and 2.7°, which corresponds to the gallery spaces d001=1.84 and 3.27nm, respectively. Thus, the particles in the form of polymer swelled stacks and the initial aggregates, that is, the platelet stacks, do exist.Table 2
Nanocomposites basal distanced001 and diffraction angle 2θ.
W
f, %
d
001, nm
2θ, deg
OMMT
1.84
4.8
Nanocomposite
1
n.a.
n.a.
3
1.84
4.8
7
1.84
4.8
3.27
2.7
n.a.: not available.


### 3.3. Density

The structure of a nanocomposite and the interaction between the composite components can be easily evaluated from the density of the system. Ten parallel measurements were done for every composition. The densityρf of the MMT is 2.52 g/cm3; the experimentally measured density ρpolyof the polymer is 1.11 g/cm3. Figure 5(a) shows the influence of the OMMT concentration on the experimental density ρ of nanocomposites and the additive density ρad theoretically calculated from the additivity rule (2):
(2)ρad=ρpoly(1-vf)+ρf·vf,
where ρf is density of the MMT, ρpoly is experimental density of the polymer, and vf is volume part of filler.Densityρ (a) of PU and PU/OMMT nanocomposites as a function of the OMMT weight content Wf: 1—experimental data, 2—calculation by the additivity equation (2) and 3—apparent density (b) by (3).
(a)
(b)The polymer structure can be described by the apparent densityρpoly′ (3) of polymer (see Figure 5(b))
(3)ρpoly′=ρ-ρf·vf1-vf,
where ρ is the experimental density of the nanocomposites.The value ofρ becomes nonlinear at an OMMT content above 3 wt.%.  Such a behaviour points to significant changes in the material density. At a higher weight content Wf, the deviation of  ρ from  ρad grows. This density depression of the material depends on the mutual nanoparticle-matrix interaction and formation of the voids and structure inhomogeneities.We believe that, at a 1–3 wt.% of OMMT, the polymer is converted to a boundary layer, that is, to the interphase layer around the nanoparticles, where the polymer can have the decreased free volume and closer chain packing and structuring. The formation of the interphase structure is also confirmed by the changes in glass-transition temperature of the prepared nanocomposites and by other authors due to the altered chain flexibility in the interphase [23, 30]. A further increase in Wf leads to a significant nonlinearity of the density and heterogeneity of the matrix structure. The amount of the polymer is not enough to cover the surface of the nanoparticles, as a result of which the free volume increases, and defects are generated in the matrix. In this case, nanoparticle aggregates and voids develop, and therefore, the overall density of the composite decreases.


### 3.4. DSC

The results of DSC tests are presented in Figure6 in the form of the first and second heating thermograms for specimens. All thermal curves show an endothermic transition of the second order. The PU has a broad relaxation glass-transition interval. Thus, it can be characterized by the initial temperature of transition Tg1, the final temperature Tg2, and the temperature Tg at an inflection point on the curve. Table 3 summarizes the characteristic temperatures of the PU/OMMT nanocomposites. Two heatings were performed to remove the prehistory of the specimens. After the 2nd heating, the shape of the endothermic transition changes, and transition moves to the higher temperature values. It can be caused by the structure relaxation of polymer and possible additional crosslinking of chains.Table 3
The values ofTg, initial Tg1, and final Tg2 of the glass-transition process for the PU/OMMT nanocomposites.
W
f, %
T
g
1
T
g
T
g
2
T
g
2
-
T
g
1
T
g
-
T
g
1
T
g
2
-
T
g
1st heating
0
55
62
81
26
7
19
1
37
71
106
69
34
36
3
80
88
109
29
8
21
7
55
61
82
27
6
21
2nd heating
0
93
110
129
36
17
19
1
79
106
139
60
27
33
3
95
116
136
41
20
21
7
80
97
107
43
17
26DSC curves of PU and PU/OMMT nanocomposites: (a) the 1st and (b) the 2nd heating.
(a)
(b)The value ofTg of the PU is 62°C at the first heating run and 110°C at the second one. The addition of 3 wt.% OMMT to the polymer increases Tg by 26°C. The values of Tg1 and Tg2 increase correspondingly. The transition interval (Tg2-Tg1), in which the relaxation processes proceed, extends very noticeably, but a further increase in the OMMT content consequently narrows it.The changes inTg after addition of nanoparticles can be explained by the effect of intensive interaction between the polymer matrix and nanoparticles at the interface. The modified structure of polymer in the interphase owing to the decreased mobility of macromolecule chains contacting with the surface of particles is crucial. The largest changes in the glass-transition characteristics occur at 1–3 wt.% OMMT, which correlates with disappearance of the initial OMMT stacks, formation of the exfoliated structure, and changes in the apparent polymer density. At 7 wt.% of OMMT, the curve looks different from the others, and the Tg of the PU matrix decreases, and that can correspond to poor dispersion-stacking and agglomeration of OMMT nanoparticles and formation of voids and defects.


### 3.5. Thermal Properties

The integral thermograms of the TGA describing the weight loss of the specimens are shown in Figure7. The derivative thermograms (DTG), presented in Figure 7, illustrate the differential change in weight (dm/dT) as a function of temperature.Figure 7
TGA and DTG thermograms of PU, OMMT, and PU/OMMT nanocomposites.Heating the OMMT to 800°C decreases its weight by about 40%. The observed decrease in the weight of OMMT in the range of 300–600°C is caused by decomposition of the organic modifier.The TGA curves of a neat PU and the nanocomposites are of similar shape. The temperatures at which the specimens lose 20, 30, 50, and 75% of their weight are presented in Figure8(a). The more pronounced rise observed at T30%is shown in Figure 8(b). For the PU, T30%=365°C, whereas for the nanocomposite containing only 1 wt.% of OMMT, T30%=388°C.Figure 8
Temperature dependences of the relative weight lossΔm of PU (●) and nanocomposites with Wf=1 (∇), 3 (■), and 7 (◊) wt.% (a); T30%  as a function of Wf (b).The rise in the thermal decomposition temperature of nanocomposites is discussed in the literature [23, 31]. It is mainly caused by the improved barrier properties: upon heating of the material, the placoid nanoparticles can prevent the diffusion of oxygen and remove the thermal decomposition of volatile products of the polymer [23, 30, 31]. The relevant increase in the thermal stability is again more pronounced for a nanocomposite filled with 1–3 wt.% OMMT.


### 3.6. FTIR-ATR

Figure9 shows the spectra of PU and PU/OMMT nanocomposites. NHbond groups are observed at 3300 cm−1. There is an absorption band at 3410 cm−1 corresponding to PU polymer containing free NHfree groups.Figure 9
FTIR-ATR spectra of PU and PU/OMMT nanocomposites.It is well known that H-bonded C=Obond group has absorbance at 1710 cm−1, while the absorption of −C=Ofree is registered at 1730 cm−1.It was found that with OMMT increasing to 3 wt.% in PU, absolute absorbance values of characteristic NHbond and NHfree groups also increases. Then, at Wf=7% absorbance decreases. Thus, absorbance changes are similar to the concentration dependences of glass transition temperature and density for nanocomposites, which also decrease. Intercalation, stacking, and agglomeration of OMMT nanoparticles occur at 7 wt.% of OMMT. It also relates to two diffraction maxima detected by WAXD.


## 3.1. Calorimetric Study of theIn Situ Mixing of Polyol with OMMT

The aim of this measurement is to evaluate the isothermal profile of RO/DEA while mixing with OMMT using the calorimetric technique. Figure4 shows heat flow curves as a function of time for the mixture of component of RO/DEA and OMMT. An exothermic heat effect is recorded as soon as the mixing is initiated. This effect can be attributed to the heat of interaction of the two mixed compounds. The intensity of the exothermic phenomenon is relatively high while mixing the polyol RO/DEA with OMMT. That probably means that the interaction with the polyol is quite strong. The observed disturbances of the baseline can be attributed to the formation of OMMT agglomerates which move in the vessel during the mixing. The calculations results of the signal are as follows : heat of the enthalpy is −6.48 J/g, intensity is 7.20 mW/g, and the kinetic is 1 h.Figure 4
Heat flow as a function of time during mixing experiment of RO/DEA polyol with OMMT.


## 3.2. Wide Angle X-Ray Diffraction

WAXD measurements are performed for evaluation of intercalation-exfoliation of layered particles of OMMT. The diffraction data of the neat PU and OMMT and three PU/OMMT composites with a nanoparticle content of 1, 3, and 7 wt.%  are shown in Table2. It is seen that the diffraction pattern of the OMMT is characterized by a clear basal diffraction maximum, which corresponds to a periodically layered, placoid structure of OMMT platelet stacks, that is, packages. The characteristic basal maximum is obtained at 2θ=4.8° and d001=1.84nm. The neat PU is amorphous and has no diffraction pattern. The diffraction curve of a nanocomposite containing 1 wt.% OMMT does not show a clearly indicated diffraction maximum. At a content of OMMT about 3 wt.%, a very weak and unclear diffraction occurs, which can point to partly exfoliated platelet stacking. At an OMMT content of 7 wt.%, or 3.2 vol.%, two diffraction maxima appear at 2θ=4.8° and 2.7°, which corresponds to the gallery spaces d001=1.84 and 3.27nm, respectively. Thus, the particles in the form of polymer swelled stacks and the initial aggregates, that is, the platelet stacks, do exist.Table 2
Nanocomposites basal distanced001 and diffraction angle 2θ.
W
f, %
d
001, nm
2θ, deg
OMMT
1.84
4.8
Nanocomposite
1
n.a.
n.a.
3
1.84
4.8
7
1.84
4.8
3.27
2.7
n.a.: not available.


## 3.3. Density

The structure of a nanocomposite and the interaction between the composite components can be easily evaluated from the density of the system. Ten parallel measurements were done for every composition. The densityρf of the MMT is 2.52 g/cm3; the experimentally measured density ρpolyof the polymer is 1.11 g/cm3. Figure 5(a) shows the influence of the OMMT concentration on the experimental density ρ of nanocomposites and the additive density ρad theoretically calculated from the additivity rule (2):
(2)ρad=ρpoly(1-vf)+ρf·vf,
where ρf is density of the MMT, ρpoly is experimental density of the polymer, and vf is volume part of filler.Densityρ (a) of PU and PU/OMMT nanocomposites as a function of the OMMT weight content Wf: 1—experimental data, 2—calculation by the additivity equation (2) and 3—apparent density (b) by (3).
(a)
(b)The polymer structure can be described by the apparent densityρpoly′ (3) of polymer (see Figure 5(b))
(3)ρpoly′=ρ-ρf·vf1-vf,
where ρ is the experimental density of the nanocomposites.The value ofρ becomes nonlinear at an OMMT content above 3 wt.%.  Such a behaviour points to significant changes in the material density. At a higher weight content Wf, the deviation of  ρ from  ρad grows. This density depression of the material depends on the mutual nanoparticle-matrix interaction and formation of the voids and structure inhomogeneities.We believe that, at a 1–3 wt.% of OMMT, the polymer is converted to a boundary layer, that is, to the interphase layer around the nanoparticles, where the polymer can have the decreased free volume and closer chain packing and structuring. The formation of the interphase structure is also confirmed by the changes in glass-transition temperature of the prepared nanocomposites and by other authors due to the altered chain flexibility in the interphase [23, 30]. A further increase in Wf leads to a significant nonlinearity of the density and heterogeneity of the matrix structure. The amount of the polymer is not enough to cover the surface of the nanoparticles, as a result of which the free volume increases, and defects are generated in the matrix. In this case, nanoparticle aggregates and voids develop, and therefore, the overall density of the composite decreases.


## 3.4. DSC

The results of DSC tests are presented in Figure6 in the form of the first and second heating thermograms for specimens. All thermal curves show an endothermic transition of the second order. The PU has a broad relaxation glass-transition interval. Thus, it can be characterized by the initial temperature of transition Tg1, the final temperature Tg2, and the temperature Tg at an inflection point on the curve. Table 3 summarizes the characteristic temperatures of the PU/OMMT nanocomposites. Two heatings were performed to remove the prehistory of the specimens. After the 2nd heating, the shape of the endothermic transition changes, and transition moves to the higher temperature values. It can be caused by the structure relaxation of polymer and possible additional crosslinking of chains.Table 3
The values ofTg, initial Tg1, and final Tg2 of the glass-transition process for the PU/OMMT nanocomposites.
W
f, %
T
g
1
T
g
T
g
2
T
g
2
-
T
g
1
T
g
-
T
g
1
T
g
2
-
T
g
1st heating
0
55
62
81
26
7
19
1
37
71
106
69
34
36
3
80
88
109
29
8
21
7
55
61
82
27
6
21
2nd heating
0
93
110
129
36
17
19
1
79
106
139
60
27
33
3
95
116
136
41
20
21
7
80
97
107
43
17
26DSC curves of PU and PU/OMMT nanocomposites: (a) the 1st and (b) the 2nd heating.
(a)
(b)The value ofTg of the PU is 62°C at the first heating run and 110°C at the second one. The addition of 3 wt.% OMMT to the polymer increases Tg by 26°C. The values of Tg1 and Tg2 increase correspondingly. The transition interval (Tg2-Tg1), in which the relaxation processes proceed, extends very noticeably, but a further increase in the OMMT content consequently narrows it.The changes inTg after addition of nanoparticles can be explained by the effect of intensive interaction between the polymer matrix and nanoparticles at the interface. The modified structure of polymer in the interphase owing to the decreased mobility of macromolecule chains contacting with the surface of particles is crucial. The largest changes in the glass-transition characteristics occur at 1–3 wt.% OMMT, which correlates with disappearance of the initial OMMT stacks, formation of the exfoliated structure, and changes in the apparent polymer density. At 7 wt.% of OMMT, the curve looks different from the others, and the Tg of the PU matrix decreases, and that can correspond to poor dispersion-stacking and agglomeration of OMMT nanoparticles and formation of voids and defects.


## 3.5. Thermal Properties

The integral thermograms of the TGA describing the weight loss of the specimens are shown in Figure7. The derivative thermograms (DTG), presented in Figure 7, illustrate the differential change in weight (dm/dT) as a function of temperature.Figure 7
TGA and DTG thermograms of PU, OMMT, and PU/OMMT nanocomposites.Heating the OMMT to 800°C decreases its weight by about 40%. The observed decrease in the weight of OMMT in the range of 300–600°C is caused by decomposition of the organic modifier.The TGA curves of a neat PU and the nanocomposites are of similar shape. The temperatures at which the specimens lose 20, 30, 50, and 75% of their weight are presented in Figure8(a). The more pronounced rise observed at T30%is shown in Figure 8(b). For the PU, T30%=365°C, whereas for the nanocomposite containing only 1 wt.% of OMMT, T30%=388°C.Figure 8
Temperature dependences of the relative weight lossΔm of PU (●) and nanocomposites with Wf=1 (∇), 3 (■), and 7 (◊) wt.% (a); T30%  as a function of Wf (b).The rise in the thermal decomposition temperature of nanocomposites is discussed in the literature [23, 31]. It is mainly caused by the improved barrier properties: upon heating of the material, the placoid nanoparticles can prevent the diffusion of oxygen and remove the thermal decomposition of volatile products of the polymer [23, 30, 31]. The relevant increase in the thermal stability is again more pronounced for a nanocomposite filled with 1–3 wt.% OMMT.


## 3.6. FTIR-ATR

Figure9 shows the spectra of PU and PU/OMMT nanocomposites. NHbond groups are observed at 3300 cm−1. There is an absorption band at 3410 cm−1 corresponding to PU polymer containing free NHfree groups.Figure 9
FTIR-ATR spectra of PU and PU/OMMT nanocomposites.It is well known that H-bonded C=Obond group has absorbance at 1710 cm−1, while the absorption of −C=Ofree is registered at 1730 cm−1.It was found that with OMMT increasing to 3 wt.% in PU, absolute absorbance values of characteristic NHbond and NHfree groups also increases. Then, at Wf=7% absorbance decreases. Thus, absorbance changes are similar to the concentration dependences of glass transition temperature and density for nanocomposites, which also decrease. Intercalation, stacking, and agglomeration of OMMT nanoparticles occur at 7 wt.% of OMMT. It also relates to two diffraction maxima detected by WAXD.


## 4. Conclusions

By analysing experimental results of the preparation and testing of PU/OMMT nanocomposites, we can conclude the following.Thesein situ mixing tests can help in the comparison of mixing profiles of RO/DEA with OMMT nanoparticles. The quantity value of the interaction heat of the components is determined, and important in situ interaction during mixing behaviour is highlighted. It is possible to say that the RO/DEA polyol relatively strongly interacts with OMMT.The X-ray diffraction of the PU/OMMT nanocomposites clearly indicates the exfoliation of the material at a 1 wt.% of OMMT. At a larger content of  OMMT, the diffraction pattern is observed due to the stacking of nanoparticles. The nanocomposites are characterized by the enhanced thermal stability. The glass transition of the PU/OMMT shifts towards the region of higher temperatures, and the characteristic interval is broader in comparison with that of the PU. The largest enhancement of properties is found for the nanocomposites with 1–3 wt.% of nanoparticles, which corresponds to their better dispersion, development of the interphase with a possibly more compact packing structure, and the altered mobility of polymer chains. FTIR data correlates with the previous assumptions—absorbance of characteristic free amine and bonded amine and free carbonyl and bonded carbonyl groups increase up to 3 wt.% of OMMT and decrease for PU/OMMT with 7 wt.%.



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*Source: 834595-2013-06-27.xml*