The mechanical properties and morphology of a graphite oxide nanoplatelet/polyurethane composite

Significant reinforcement of polyurethane (PU) using graphite oxide nanoplatelets (GONPs) is reported. Morphologic study shows that, due to the formation of chemical bonding, there is a strong interaction between the GONPs and the hard segment of the PU, which allows effective load transfer. The GONPs can prevent the formation of crystalline hard segments due to their two-dimensional structure. With the incorporation of 4.4 wt% of GONPs, the Young's modulus and hardness of the PU are significantly increased by similar to 900% and similar to 327%, respectively. The resultant high resistance to scratching indicates promise for application of these composite materials in surface coating.