Synthetic Ni-talc as filler for producing polyurethane nanocomposites

New synthetic Ni-talc was used as filler in the synthesis of polyurethane (PU) nanocomposites by in situ polymerization and to emphasize the contribution of the new material compared with natural talc. Good dispersion of Ni-talc was supported by homogeneous green coloration observed in the polymer matrix. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses indicate the intercalation of polymeric matrix into the filler layers by the increase in d(001)-spacing value of the Ni-talc for the nanocomposites when compared to the pristine filler. The nanocomposites obtained with synthetic talc showed an improvement in the crystallization temperature and in thermal stability when compared to pure PU and the composite obtained with natural talc. The young modulus of PU/talc materials containing both Ni-talc and natural talc were slight higher than pure PU. As shown by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Ni-talc fillers were well dispersed into the polymeric matrix probably due to the good compatibility of both phases filler/polymer mainly achieved by the filler OH interaction with the urethane group of the polymeric chain. (C) 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.