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Tensile properties and deformation mechanisms of PU/MWCNTs nanocomposites

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanical properties and deformation mechanisms of thermoset polyurethane reinforced with different contents of multi-walled carbon nanotubes, i.e. 0.05–5 wt%, fabricated through a solution casting method. Tensile test was done at constant strain rate and different temperatures and Halpin–Tsai equation was used to compare the experimental results with theoretical predictions. Results showed that modulus, strength and toughness of polyurethane depended strongly on the amount of CNTs loading. Tensile strength of PU was enhanced approximately 122% by the contribution of 1 wt% CNTs at room temperature. Predictions of tensile strength by modified Halpin–Tsai equation were in good agreement with the experimental data. Microscopic observations showed that MWCNTs dispersed homogeneously throughout the PU matrix up to 1 wt% CNTs; but evidences of agglomeration were found at higher contents. Finally, dominant toughening mechanisms of PU/CNTs nanocomposites were considered.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Engineering School, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

    Mohammad Hadi Moghim & Seyed Mojtaba Zebarjad

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  1. Mohammad Hadi Moghim
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  2. Seyed Mojtaba Zebarjad
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Correspondence to Seyed Mojtaba Zebarjad.

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Moghim, M.H., Zebarjad, S.M. Tensile properties and deformation mechanisms of PU/MWCNTs nanocomposites. Polym. Bull. 74, 4267–4277 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00289-017-1955-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00289-017-1955-9

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