Preparation and Properties of OMMT/PU Composites

Prepolymer of polyurethane (PU) was prepared by toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and polyether diol through polymerization, organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) gained by montmorillonite (MMT) that was modified by octadecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (OTAC), and the OMMT was used as intercalator; alcohol-based OMMT/PU adhesive was synthesized. The micromorphology of OMMT/PU adhesives was observed by XRD, SEM, and AFM, and the shear strength, elongation at break, peel strength, and water resistance were tested and the relationship between structure and properties of the adhesives was observed and analyzed. XRD suggested that OMMT has been completely peeled in the polyurethane matrix and the spacing of layers has increased. SEM and AFM indicated that the OMMT dispersed evenly in the PU matrix and had a good transition with PU matrix, and the interface effects between two phases were strong. The results of the mechanical properties showed that OMMT could significantly help to improve properties of OMMT/PU adhesive, and the shearing strength, fracture tensile strength, and peel strength of 4 wt% OMMT/PU adhesive were 7.24 MPa, 2.14 MPa, and 451.2 N/m, respectively; the water absorption quantity was 2.82%. Compared with the unmodified PU, the shearing strength, tensile strength, and elongation at break of 4 wt% OMMT/PU adhesive were increased by 36.75%, 134.90%, and 76.80%, respectively. The peel strength decreased by 30.76%, and the water absorption decreased by 17.54%, in the meanwhile.