Synthesis and characterization of polyurethane/titanium dioxide nanocomposites obtained by in situ polymerization

The development of new polymeric and polymeric based materials is fundamental to meet the market demands. This work aims the synthesis and characterization of polyurethane/titanium dioxide nanocomposite, using low cost commercial raw materials. Nanocomposites were synthesized by in situ polymerization reactions in which titanium dioxide were added in the following proportions, by weight, in relation to the mass obtained from the pure polymer: 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 5.0, 7.0, and 10.0 %. These reactions were based in poli (epsilon-caprolactone) and 1,6-diisocyanatohexane. The materials were characterized by infrared spectroscopy Fourier transform, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Based on the obtained results it was concluded that the nanocomposites synthesized by in situ polymerization presented, in general, thermal properties (degradation temperature) and mechanical properties higher than the pure polymer.