Preparation, damping and thermal properties of potassium titanate whiskers filled castor oil-based polyurethane/epoxy interpenetrating polymer network composites

A series of potassium titanate whiskers (PTW) filled castor oil-based polyurethane (PU)/epoxy resin (EP) interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) composites were prepared. The damping properties, thermal stability as well as tensile strength of the IPN composites were studied systematically in terms of composition. Results revealed that the addition of PTW can significantly improve the damping properties of pure PU/EP IPN and can improve the thermal decomposition temperature. Tensile tests showed that the tensile strength of the IPN composites was improved after the incorporation of PTW. It is expected that the PTW filled IPN composites may be used as structural damping materials. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.