Synergistic Effect of Amino-Functionalized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Incorporated Polyurethane Nanocomposites for High-Performance Smart Materials Applications

In the present study, thermoplastic polyurethane (PU) and its nanocomposites have been synthesized using a chain-growth process without a catalyst. The mixture of dual-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (FMWCNTs) (amino and acid functionalized) was used to enhance chemical and physical interlinking between carbon filler and PU matrix in nanocomposites. The structure of pre-designed synthesized PU and its nanocomposites were confirmed by Fourier transformed infrared analysis, and the degree of crystallinity was analyzed by x-ray diffraction analysis. Scanning electron microscopy morphologies confirm better interfacial interaction between dual-FMWCNTs and PU matrix with very little aggregation at higher loading amount of filler content. Excellent improved thermal stabilities with increase loading amount of functionalized filler were confirmed by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). A significant increase in mechanical property of PU-nanocomposites with 3% filler loading was observed 62.4 MPa relative to 32.4 MPa of neat-PU, respectively. The shape recovery (SR) time of thermally triggered nanocomposites was improved significantly due to the better thermal conduction of dual-FMWCNTs. A prompt fast recovery response in less than 10 seconds was recorded for the nanocomposite sample. According to our best knowledge, a fast recovery time of fewer than 10 seconds will be a good approach for high material smart applications which is not reported till somewhere else.