Abstract
Cross-linked polyurethane/filler composites based on polyester, diphenylmethane diisocyante, glycols, and glycerin were synthesized and characterized. The mechanical and thermal properties of PU/filler composites were investigated through tensile, thermogravimetry experiments. Therefore, to understand the behaviour of fillers, such as graphite, talc, CaCO3, and polyamide fiber added to cross-linked polyurethane resins, several thermal and mechanical tests were conducted on samples, using these new materials. It is shown that cross-linked polyurethane composites have decreased tensile strength, improved hardness and thermal stability, relative to bulk polyurethane. The results show that the polyurethane component ratios in cross-linked polymers, the types of filler, and the amount of powder added all affect the damping behaviours and degree of phase separation of unfilled and filled cross-linked polyurethanes. The addition of filler into polyurethane composites yields an increase in the Young´s modulus and a decrease in the elongation at break. Keywords: composite, cross-linked polyurethane, mechanical properties, filler