Optical and Mechanical Study of Mineral and Synthetic Nano Layered Silicate Reinforced Polyurethane Resin

In the present investigation, the effect of two different mineral nano clays and a synthetic nano layered silicate on the properties of a transparent polyurethane resin has been studied. Both high rotator Torusmill and high intensity ultrasonic deagglomerator are utilized for the dispersion process. Observations by means of the X-ray diffraction technique indicate the presence of different dispersion status of nano layers in polymer matrix. The optical effect of nano-filled clear coat was studied using goniospectrophotometer and compared with a blank clear coat to determine if it can be identified by human eye. Scratch and mar resistance tests presented considerable improvement. Gloss retention against rubbing increased significantly in the presence of merely 3 wt% of synthetic nano-filler.