pps proceeding - Abstract Preview
pps proceeding
Symposium: S07 - Elastomer Materials and Processing
Oral Presentation
 
 

Novel polyurethane elastomeric composites reinforced with Alumina, Aramid, and poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole) short fibers, development and characterization of the thermal and dynamic mechanical properties

Pearson Adam (1), Naguib Hani (1)*

(1) University of Toronto - Ontario - Canada

Polyurethane is an extremely versatile material having seen use in a variety of applications. However, its relatively weak mechanical properties limit the scope of applicable functions. Recently the addition of various fillers to increase the functionality of polyurethane has been of great interest. This study outlines the development of novel polyurethane elastomers reinforced with Kevlar pulp, Alumina micro fibers, and poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole) (PBO) fibers. One of the key goals in this study was to use an easily scalable elastomer fabrication process. To achieve this A high shear mixer was used for fiber dispersion followed be degassing and casting into a mould. The thermal and dynamic mechanical properties were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), thermomechanical analysis (TMA), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Upon the addition of the reinforcing fibers an improvement in thermal stability as well as a significant reduction of 37% to the coefficient of linear thermal expansion was found. Additionally, an improvement of 97% to the storage modulus (G’) was found with the inclusion of a small amount of PBO fibers, 1wt%, to the polyurethane matrix.