Synthesis of chitin–bentonite clay based polyurethane bio-nanocomposites

Abstract: Chitin based polyurethane bio-nanocomposites (PUBNC) were prepared by emulsion polymerization. A mixture of polymer and bentonite clay enriched in montmorillonite (MMT) was formed in emulsion polymerization, in which MMT dispersed differently depending on interaction of MMT with polymer chains. Cation exchange capacity (CEC) of bentonite clay enriched in montmorillonite was found 74meq/100g. The existence of the intercalated clay by PU in the hybrid was confirmed using optical microscope (OM) technique. Optical microscope (OM) photographs verified the well dispersed ordered intercalated assembles layers of bentonite in PU matrix. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]