Evaluating PEG block length and CNC content on microphase separation of blocks in PCL-PEG-PCL/CNC based polyurethane nanocomposites

Fatemeh Noormohammadi¹ Mohammad Nourany² Mehrad Zakizadeh³ Hanieh Aghaiee Ranjbar⁴

1) Amirkabir university of technology-
2) Amirkabir university of technology-
3) Amirkabir university of technology-
4) Amirkabir university of technology-

Publication : 6th International Conference on Chemistry and Chemical Engineering(ccce.ir)
Abstract :
In this work, a series of hydrogel polyurethane nanocomposites have been developed based on PCL-PEG-PCL triblock polyol and cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) as a cross-linker and controller of microphase separation of blocks. Microphase separation of blocks was studied in detail as a function of PEG block length and CNCs content. CNC nanorods were found to act as a reducing agent of the microphase separation, possibly by rearranging the blocks through changing the morphology of hard domains from a 3D to a shell-like 2D structure, affecting the freedom of movement of the blocks, and finally controlling thermodynamic behaviors.
Keywords : PCL-PEG-PCL Cellulose nanocrystal Polyurethane hydrogel Nanocomposite.