Search

Surface modification of fumed nanosilica was performed by using n-(2-aminoethyl)-3-ammopropyrtrime-thoxysilane as a coupling agent. Then, modified nanosilica was utilized in the preparation of polyurethane rigid foam. The characterization and the study of properties were done by some techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravi-metric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis, and thermomechanical analysis. Also, tensile test was examined to evaluate the static mechanical properties. With the increasing of modified nanosilica, thermal and static mechanical properties were enhanced, but dynamic mechanical behavior was different from static mechanical behavior because of the different properties of interfacial domain and bulk matrix. The presence of functional groups on the nanosilica surface affected stoichiome-try and reduced hard phase formation in bulk polymer. The decrease in glass transition temperature ([T.sub.g]) confirmed this statement. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 50:468-473, 2010. [C] 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers, INTRODUCTION Polyurethanes (PUs) are unique polymer materials with a wide range of physical and chemical properties. With well-designed combination of monomeric materials, PUs can be tailored to meet the diversified [...]