Synthesis and Characterization of Waterborne Polyurethane-Chitosan Nanocomposites

Synthesis and characterization of a novel bio-nanocomposite based on chitosan, waterborne polyurethane and modified nanosilica is reported. In order to disperse of silica nanoparticles, fumed nanosilica was modified using gamma-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTS). Characterization of synthesized bio-nanocomposite was performed by Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The tensile test was used to study mechanical properties. These results showed that chitosan enhanced thermal stability and improved mechanical properties of the polyurethane matrix.