Synthesis and Characterization of Multifunctional Metal‐Organic Framework (Ni‐ZIF‐67) Decorated Waterborne Polyurethane (Ni‐ZIF‐67/WPU) Nanocomposites: Sonochemical Approach

Abstract This work investigates the effect of a modified nickel‐doped metal‐organic framework (Ni‐ZIF‐67) as a filler on thermal, mechanical, and water vapor permeability properties of environmentally friendly waterborne polyurethane (WPU). The facile and greener ultrasound (sonochemical) technique is developed to prepare multifunctional Ni‐ZIF‐67@WPU nanocomposites, exhibiting superior crystallinity and uniform distribution. The resultant Ni‐ZIF‐67 nanoparticles and Ni‐ZIF‐67@WPU films are characterized by various techniques, including powder XRD, FE‐SEM, FTIR, TGA, UTM, contact angle, and antibacterial properties. Ni‐ZIF‐67@WPU nanocomposites exhibited excellent three‐fold mechanical performance (tensile strength ≈22 MPa) at a very low 5 wt.% filler loading and high thermal stability compared to pristine WPU. In addition, Ni‐ZIF‐67@WPU exhibited optimum water vapor permeability performance at 5.0 wt.% filler with the potential antibacterial application. Demonstrate that the rapid and facile synthesis approach can enhance the interaction of filler and matrix, high surface area, and tuneable pore size of filler material. This new insight has a new green approach for fabricating advanced nanocomposites toward practical utilization.