Effect of organoclay additives on the physical properties of polyurethane elastomers

CHED 681

John V. McClusky, jmcclusky@tlu.edu1, Santiago Toledo, santit@u.washington.edu2, Jennifer Ebrom3, Andrew P. Vogt4, and Megan Smith1. (1) Department of Chemistry, Texas Lutheran University, 1000 West Court Street, Seguin, TX 78155, (2) Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, BOX 351700, Seattle, WA 98195, (3) School of Law, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, (4) Department of Chemistry, Southern Methodist University, 3215 Daniel Avenue, PO Box 750314, Dallas, TX 75275-0314
Organoclays cause dramatic increases in toughness and thermal stability at low loading levels in many polymers such as nylons and polyolefins. We have synthesized a variety of hydroxy-functionalized ammonium clays and incorporated them into polyurethane polymers. The polymers contained polyols with high and low hydrophobicity. Dramatic increases in elongation and tensile strength were observed for several clays. Interestingly, the presence of hard segments is critical for maximum clay efficacy. No increase in thermal stability was observed.
 

Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Polymer Chemistry
11:00 AM-1:00 PM, Monday, April 7, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster

Division of Chemical Education

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008