The Effect of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes Content on the Properties of Polyurethane Nanocomposite

This study aimed to investigate the influence of single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) content on the mechanical properties of polyurethane (PU) nanocomposites. The SWCNT content varied from 0 wt% (reference sample) to 2 wt%. Tensile, hardness and Charpy impact tests as well as dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) were performed. Based on the test results it was observed that an increase in the content of single-wall carbon nanotubes resulted in significant improvements in material strength and stiffness. Furthermore, atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to examine microsurface topography of the samples and to obtain spectroscopic curves, based on which local elasticity was evaluated. Overall, performed measurements indicate that the incorporation of SWCNTs into PU matrix makes resultant nanocomposite stiffer and more resistant to deformation. The results highlight the potential of SWCNTs as effective reinforcement of polyurethane-based nanocomposites.