Ablative Properties of Polyurethanes Reinforced with Organoclay

Ablation resistance and mechanical properties of polyurethane‐based composites containing different amounts (up to 5 wt%) of organoclay were correlated with the morphological characterization. The crosslinking density of the polyurethane increased with the amount of organoclay. At low concentration (up to 1 wt%), the organoclay was well exfoliated, while at higher concentration, both exfoliated and intercalated platelets were found. A linear correlation was observed between the tensile test and the concentration of organoclay. Erosion velocity decreased 40% with the incorporation of 5% of organoclay. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60:630–635, 2020. © 2020 Society of Plastics Engineers