This work is aimed at incorporating mica to the matrix of a polyether type thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU), for the development of new materials in which the inherent properties of mica could be combined to those of TPU. This thermoplastic elastomer has high cost, unlike mica, which is inexpensive and abundant in Brazil. The different composites, with the mica contents varying from 0-20 phr (per hundred resin) were prepared in an internal mixer, coupled to a Haake torque rheometer. These composites had their thermal properties analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The incorporation of mica caused changes in the thermal stability of TPU in different atmospheres and in its dynamic mechanical properties. The addition of mica shifted the onset of degradation to lower temperatures in the two atmospheres (inert and oxidizing), while the glass transition temperature decreased slightly with increasing mica content. The results stem mainly from the interactions between mica and TPU hard segments during processing in the internal mixer.
Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer; mica; ermal analysis
