Castor Oil Based Polyurethane Nanocomposites with Cellulose Nanocrystallites Fillers

Abstract

In this study the castor oil based polyurethane (PU) nanocomposites were prepared by dispersing the cellulose nanocrystallites (CNC) isolated from cotton linters. CNC was dispersed in PU matrix using ultrasonicator coupled with high shear homogenizer. The filler loading was varied from 0-10% of the total weight of the mixture. The PU/CNC nanocomposites were characterized by SEM, XRD, FTIR, mechanical and barrier properties. SEM confirmed homogeneous dispersion of CNCs in polyurethane matrix with small agglomerates at certain places. Improvement in mechanical properties was observed as compared to neat PU. Diffusivity and permeability of the nanocomposites was reduced at higher loadings of CNC.