In this work, we consider the effect of the addition of functionalized clay particles to a polyether based polyurethane that is a candidate to be used as for flexible storage containment for a variety military fuels. We have synthesized urethanes and fully incorporated functionalized layered silicate inorganic nanoclay with concentrations varying from 0% to 15% by weight. The clays were functionalized with polar hydroxyl groups (-OH) and nonpolar long alkyl chains (-CH3-(CH2)14-CH3) and evaluated the diffusion of commercial and military grade fuels. The diffusion and permeation is found to be heavily dependent on the nature of the functionality of the functionalized particles. Nanoclays functionalized with nonpolar groups were found to increase the transport of fuel through the urethane membranes, while polar functionalization decreased transport.

Fuel transport properties of functionalized nanoclay/urethane composites

256th National Meeting (2018)

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