The preparation of biodegradable polyurethane/carbon nanotube composite based on in situ cross‐linking

Abstract A biodegradable polyurethane (PU)/carbon nanotube (CNT) composite was prepared by bulk polymerization based on in situ cross‐linking of hydroxyl‐terminated polylactic acid functionalized CNTs. As parallel experiments, PU/CNT blend and pure PU were prepared. The obtained products were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance ( 1 H NMR) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The properties and morphology of composites were discussed including both blending and cross‐linking composites. The results showed that the functionalized CNTs were dispersed well in the PU matrix, and its initial thermal decomposition temperature was higher than that of the blend. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.