Abstract

In situ polymerization technique was used to prepare poly(urethane methacrylate) nanocomposite sheets, using Poly(Ethylene Glycol) (PEG-400), 1,6-Hexamethylene Diisocyanate (HDI), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) as nanofiller and Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) as reactive diluent. Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) and Wide-Angle X-Ray Diffraction (WAXD) studies confirmed the incorporation of nanoCaCO₃ in polymer matrix. Density of the nanocomposites exhibited loose structure of materials. Tensile and flexural strength as well as modulus, hardness and abrasion resistance of nanocomposites increased with increase in nanoCaCO₃ content. But impact strength decreased with increase in nanoCaCO₃ content up to 1% and there after it levels off. Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) images confirmed the uniform distribution of nanoCaCO₃ in composites up to 2% (w/w) of nanoCaCO₃. SEM images of abraded samples indicated micro ploughing occurred during wearing. All nanocomposites were found to be stable up to 200 °C and having two-step thermal degradation in nitrogen atmosphere.

Keywords: Thermoset; Preparation; Mechanical and thermal properties

Abbreviations: WAXD: Wide-Angle X-Ray Diffraction; FT-IR: Fourier Transform Infra-Red; SEM: Scanning Electron Microscopic; HDI: Hexamethylene Di Isocyanate; MMA: Methyl Meth Acrylate; PUMA: Poly Urethane Meth Acrylate