Exploration on high performance polyamide 1010/polyurethane blends filled with functional graphene nanoplatelet: physical properties and technical application

ABSTRACTIn this attempt, novel polyurethane (PU) was prepared and blended with polyamide 1010 (PA1010). Based on morphology, molecular weight, polydispersity index, thermal, and shear stress behavior, PA1010/PU (80:20) blend was opted as matrix material for graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) reinforcement. PA1010/PU/GNP nanocomposites were prepared using various GNP loadings (1–5 wt.%). According to scanning electron microscopy (SEM), PA1010/PU blend with 5 wt.% PU revealed better compatibility. Inclusion of functional GNP resulted in formation of speckled morphology due to physical interaction between nanofiller and the matrix. In the case of PA1010/PU/GNP 3 nanocomposite, T0 (532 oC) was much higher than the unfilled blend (389 oC). Similarly, other thermal properties (T10 565 oC; Tmax 599 oC) of PA1010/PU/GNP 3 nanocomposite were significantly higher than the blends and nanocomposites. Limiting oxygen index measurement indicated better non-flammability of PA1010/PU/GNP 1–3 nanocomposite series (50%–57%) relat...