Stability and properties of waterborne polyurethane/clay nanocomposite dispersions

Factors that can affect the stability of waterborne polyurethane (WBPU)/clay nanocomposite dispersions are reported. It is suggested that the dispersion stability depends on the carboxyl acid salt content, clay content, sonication (mechanical forces), and clay surface structure. It was observed that the dispersion stability increased with increasing carboxyl acid salt content after applying sonication (mechanical forces) in clay with OH groups (Cloisite 30B) up to 23.58 mol% DMPA. Encapsulated (WBPU20-30B4-M and WBPU23-30B5-M) clay in PU particles was formed using the above combination. The dispersion with clay encapsulated in PU particles had the longest storage time of all of the dispersions. The zeta potential, particle size, particle size distribution, and viscosity of the dispersions also depend on carboxyl acid salt content, clay content, sonication (mechanical forces), and clay surface structure.