Synthesis and properties of nanosilica-reinforced polyurethane for grouting

A polyurethane/nanosilica (PU/SiO2) hybrid for grouting was prepared in a two‐step polymerization using poly(propylene glycol) diols as the soft segment, toluene 2,4‐diisocyanate (TDI) as the diisocyanate, 3,3′‐dichloro‐4,4′‐diaminodiphenylmethane (MOCA) as the chain extender, and acetone as the solvent. The size and dispersion of nanosilica, the molecular structure, mechanical properties, rheological behavior, thermal performance, and the UV absorbance characteristic of the PU/SiO2 hybrid were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), FTIR, mechanical tests, viscometry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and UV spectroscopy. Nanosilica dispersed homogeneously in the PU matrix. The maximum values of mechanical properties such as tensile strength, elongation break, and adhesive strength showed an addition of nanosilica of about 2 wt %. Resistance to both high and low temperatures was better than with PU. And the UV absorbance of the PU/SiO2 hybrid increased in the range of 290–330 nm with increasing nanosilica content. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 4333–4337, 2006