Mechanically and Thermally Enhanced Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube-Graphene Hybrid filled Thermoplastic Polyurethane Nanocomposites

Multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) chemically reduced graphene oxide (CRGO) hybrid in different weight ratios were prepared by solution mixing. MWCNT CRGO (1:1) hybrid exhibited better dispersion stability in dry THF and characterized. Subsequently, it was used as reinforcing filler in thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanocomposites by solution intercalation. Further investigations showed that 0.25 and 0.50 wt.-% MWCNT CRGO (1:1) loaded TPU exhibit significant improvement in thermal stability (40 degrees C at 50% weight loss) and storage modulus (206% at 50 degrees C) respectively. This is attributed to homogeneous dispersion and strong interfacial interaction between TPU and filler.