TPU/TRG Nanocomposites Prepared by Masterbatch-Melting Compounding Process

In order to improve the mechanical and thermal properties of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), the thermal exfoliated-reduction graphene nanosheet (TRG) was selected as modifier and the TPU/TRG nanocomposites were prepared via masterbatch-melting compounding process. The morphology of Natural Graphite Powder (NGP), Graphite Oxide (GO), TRG and the mechanical, thermal properties, and micro-structure of the TPU/TRG nanocomposites were investigated by using scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS), tensile tests, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) tests, respectively. The results showed that the mechanical property was improved by adding TRG. When a small amount (1 wt.%) of TRG was added, the Young's modulus of TPU was improved by 64%, compared with that of pure TPU. Moreover, the strain stress under 100% of TPU was also raised when TRG was added. DSC tests showed that TRG improved the thermal property of TPU. When 1 wt.% TRG was added, the melting temperature (T_m) and crystalline temperature (T_c) were increased about 13 ℃ and 11 ℃, respectively, compared with those of pure TPU; XRD and SEM characterizations showed that TRG was dispersed uniformly in the TPU matrix.