Analyzing the influence of different synthetic talcs in waterborne polyurethane nanocomposites obtainment

Waterborne polyurethane (WPU) nanocomposites were produced utilizing synthetic talc in gel form in order to improve its physical–chemical properties. Synthetic talc manufactured in nano‐gel form are interesting because their interaction with water occurs through hydrogen bonding favoring fillers dispersion within the WPU matrix. WPUs are environmental friendly materials because no organic solvents are used in its production. The nanocomposites obtained with the three synthetic talc nano‐gel fillers presented a good dispersion even when higher amounts of fillers were added, as seen by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy analyses. The addition of synthetic talcs improved WPU nanocomposites mechanical properties. Storage and loss modulus results proved fillers incorporation into the WPU matrix corroborating with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results. Results demonstrated that synthetic talcs in nano‐gel form are interesting to obtain WPU nanocomposites with superior mechanical properties. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46107.