| 초록 |
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) has widely been utilized in automobile parts including seats, ceiling, dashboard, etc. with its durable and mild surface properties derived from urethane bonds that can combine with hydrogen bonding. In this study, we reinforced TPU by employing hydroxyl-terminated micro-crystalline cellulose (MCC), originating from the most abundant organic polymer in nature, manufactured by twin screw extruder. Urethane bonds can participate in the hydrogen bonding with the MCC and we demonstrated the enhanced mechanical integrity of the composites by improved chemical compatibility and interfacial adhesion. Both tensile strength and elongation increased by 12.5% and 36.7%, respectively, at 1 wt% MCC loading. The absence of sacrifice in elongational properties, that are typically trade-off relation with the tensile strength, indicates increase in energy to break (or toughness) via formation of hydrogen bonding in the TPU-MCC composites. |
