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Džunuzović JV, Stefanović IS, Džunuzović ES, Kovač TS, Malenov DP, Basagni A, Marega C. Fabrication of Polycaprolactone-Based Polyurethanes with Enhanced Thermal Stability. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1812. [PMID: 39000667 PMCID: PMC11243817 DOI: 10.3390/polym16131812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The benefit of being acquainted with thermal properties, especially the thermal stability of polyurethanes (PU), and simplified methods for their improvement is manifold. Considering this, the effect of embedding different amounts of unmodified and surface-modified TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) within PU, based on polycaprolactone (PCL) and Boltorn® aliphatic hyperbranched polyester, on PU properties was investigated. Results obtained via scanning electron microscopy, swelling measurements, mechanical tests and thermogravimetric analysis revealed that TiO2 NPs can be primarily applied to improve the thermal performance of PU. Through surface modification of TiO2 NPs with an amphiphilic gallic acid ester containing a C12 long alkyl chain (lauryl gallate), the impact on thermal stability of PU was greater due to the better dispersion of modified TiO2 NPs in the PU matrix compared to the unmodified ones. Also, the distinct shape of DTG peaks of the composite prepared using modified TiO2 NPs indicates that applied nano-filler is mostly embedded in soft segments of PU, leading to the delay in thermal degradation of PCL, simultaneously improving the overall thermal stability of PU. In order to further explore the thermal degradation process of the prepared composites and prove the dominant role of incorporated TiO2 NPs in the course of thermal stability of PU, various iso-conversional model-free methods were applied. The evaluated apparent activation energy of the thermal degradation reaction at different conversions clearly confirmed the positive impact of TiO2 NPs on the thermal stability and aging resistance of PU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasna V. Džunuzović
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Chemistry and Engineering, Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Njegoševa 12, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Njegoševa 12, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Ivan S. Stefanović
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Njegoševa 12, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Enis S. Džunuzović
- Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Karnegijeva 4, 11100 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Tijana S. Kovač
- Innovation Center, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Karnegijeva 4, 11100 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Dušan P. Malenov
- University of Belgrade—Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 12–16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Andrea Basagni
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova, Italy; (A.B.); (C.M.)
| | - Carla Marega
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova, Italy; (A.B.); (C.M.)
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