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Effect of addition of nanosilica on the properties of ureaurethane nanocomposites

Kamila Pietrzak ,  Joanna Ryszkowska 

Warsaw University of Technology, Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering (InMat), Wołoska 141, Warszawa 02-507, Poland

Abstract

Polyurethanes (PURM) are ranked fifth in the world’s production of plastics. The reason for their great demand are their functional qualities such as high strength, low wear resistance and resistance to aggressive liquids, oils, greases as well as atmospheric conditions. That’s why they are chosen for the application in i.e. elements (tires) of mining transport equipment, where units of these devices are exposed to work under very high pressures, dust and variable temperatures ranging between -40°C and +50°C. Since the elements work under very high stress, safety aspects are vital during technical operation and fast wear.

The purpose of the studies was to produce nanocomposites in a one-stage process with nanosilica in the form of sol and powder for the manufacture of wheels. Nanosilica was fabricated at the Industrial Chemistry Research Institute in Warsaw. Matrix of these materials was produced using polyureaurethane dicyandiamide, as an extension.

The testing of the obtained materials included density, hardness, wear resistance and resilience. The analysis was performed by observing brittle structures and their fractures through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thermal analysis of nanocomposites was carried out using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TGA). Tensile properties were examined during the static tensile test.

The addition of nanosilica to PURM changed and improved the structure of material properties of the resulting nanocomposite. However, further research is needed in order to find the optimal composition and synthesis conditions of the obtained nanocomposites assuring optimal properties of the material.

 

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Related papers

Presentation: Poster at Warsaw and Karlsruhe Nanotechnology Day, by Kamila Pietrzak
See On-line Journal of Warsaw and Karlsruhe Nanotechnology Day

Submitted: 2011-09-03 17:39
Revised:   2011-09-23 09:08