Clay reinforced hyperbranched polyurethane nanocomposites based on palm oil polyol as shape memory materials

Reactive nanoclay reinforced hyperbranched polyurethane (HPU) nanocomposites have been synthesized with the introduction of palm oil polyol as part of the precursor. The HPU were prepared in a two-step process using polycaprolactonediol, 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and 1,4-butanediol as chain extender. Nanoclay was added with the purpose of improving the properties of the pristine polyurethane. The introduction of palm oil polyol is believed to enhance the mixing process between polymer matrix and filler. Thermal, mechanical and shape memory properties of produced HPU were investigated. The results showed that the crystallinity of HPU nanocomposites decreased with introduction of clay particles and that the mechanical and shape memory properties were enhanced with the addition of small amount of reactive nanoclay (up to 3 wt%). � (2012) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.