Development of polyurethanes with enhanced properties

Abstract

Introduction: This research explores the improvement of the surface properties of elastomeric polyurethanes by incorporating non-stick additives in mass and surface. Objectives: The objective was to optimize the processing of low-performance polyurethane and to evaluate the effect of different fluorinated and functionalized silica additives on its hydrophobicity and mechanical properties. Methodology: A quantitative experimental methodology was followed, using standard formulations of polyol and isocyanate, to which additives were incorporated both in mass and in coating, and the samples were characterized by contact angle tests. Results: The results showed that additives such as F1 and F2 at 1% in coating and F2 at 1% in mass significantly increased the contact angle without compromising mechanical properties. Conclusions: It is concluded that fluorine-functionalized silica additives (NS1 and NS2) are especially promising, and that this strategy is applicable to the development of high-performance non-stick polyurethanes for industrial applications. General area of study: Chemistry. Specific study area: Polyurethanes. Type of study:  Original articles.