Preparation and characterization of a novel polyurethane/polyurethane modified graphene oxide composites

Polyurethane-functionalized graphene oxide (MGO) was fabricated by surface modification of graphene oxide (GO) with a self-made waterborne polyurethane. MGO/polyurethane (MGO/PU) elastomer was produced by in situ polymerization. The structure and properties of GO and MGO and their effect on polyurethane elastomer were investigated. The results show that after the waterborne polyurethane successfully grafted and modified, the ordered crystal structure of GO transforms into the disordered structure, as well as its interlayer spacing becomes larger and the lipophilicity of GO improves greatly. The addition of MGO could promote the formation of hydrogen bonding of the PU and reduce the breaking speed of the hydrogen bonding. In addition, the results of thermogravimetric analysis and temperature-dependent mechanical properties indicate that the thermal stability and mechanical properties of MGO/PU are better than PU and GO/PU. Graphical abstract