POLYURETHANE COMPOSITES COMPRISING NANOCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING PROPERTIES OF POLYURETHANES THEREOF

摘要

The disclosure relates to polyurethane (PU) composites comprising nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) and methods for improving tensile strength and elongation. The process to prepare the polyurethane comprises providing a dispersion of NCC in (a)one or more polyols, (b) one or more isocyanates, or (c) one or more polyols and one or more isocyanate, separately or mixed together, mixing with a catalyst and isolating the polyurethane. Preferred embodiments include an NCC content of less than 5%, dried NCC starting material, and the NCC being fully dispersed and not aggregated. The polyurethane may be used in elastomeric fibres, paints, solid polyurethane plastics, thermoplastic and cast elastomers and adhesives and/or binders.