Abstract:
The disclosure relates to polyurethane (PU) composites comprising nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) and methods for improving tensile strength and elongation. The process to prepare the polyurethane comprises providing a dispersion of NCC in (a)one or more polyols, (b) one or more isocyanates, or (c) one or more polyols and one or more isocyanate, separately or mixed together, mixing with a catalyst and isolating the polyurethane. Preferred embodiments include an NCC content of less than 5%, dried NCC starting material, and the NCC being fully dispersed and not aggregated. The polyurethane may be used in elastomeric fibres, paints, solid polyurethane plastics, thermoplastic and cast elastomers and adhesives and/or binders.
Abstract:
The disclosure relates to polyurethane (PU) composites comprising nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) and methods for improving tensile strength and elongation. The process to prepare the polyurethane comprises providing a dispersion of NCC in (a)one or more polyols, (b) one or more isocyanates, or (c) one or more polyols and one or more isocyanate, separately or mixed together, mixing with a catalyst and isolating the polyurethane. Preferred embodiments include an NCC content of less than 5%, dried NCC starting material, and the NCC being fully dispersed and not aggregated. The polyurethane may be used in elastomeric fibres, paints, solid polyurethane plastics, thermoplastic and cast elastomers and adhesives and/or binders.
Abstract:
A process for preparing polyurethane composites includes (i) providing a dispersion of nanocrystalline cellulose in (a) one or more polyols, (b) one or more isocyanates, or (c) one or more polyols and one or more isocyanate, mixed together; wherein the amount of water in the nanocrystalline cellulose is less than about 1% w/w; (ii) mixing the dispersion of (i)(a) with an isocyanate or (i)(b) with a polyol and a catalyst to allow polymerization; or mixing the dispersion of (i)(c) and a catalyst to allow polymerization; and (iii) isolating the polyurethane composite. A method for improving properties of polyurethanes includes dispersing nanocrystalline cellulose into one or both parts of a two part polyol/isocyanate precursors prior to allowing polymerization of the precursors, wherein the amount of water in the nanocrystalline cellulose is less than about 1% w/w; mixing the dispersion with a catalyst; and polymerizing the precursors to provide the polyurethane.