Improve the strength, heat resistance, and barrier performance of polyurethane by adding graphene oxide

Abstract

Polyurethane (PU) is one of those versatile materials that's everywhere from coatings and adhesives to flexible foams. It's strong, flexible, and easy to process, but it does have its limits. For example, it can struggle when exposed to high temperatures, abrasion, or moisture. Graphene oxide (GO) is a new player in material science that could help overcome these challenges. Its thin, layered structure and rich surface chemistry make it perfect for reinforcing polymers. This project explores how the performance of a sail cloth with PU as matrix can be altered by adding GO as a filler. different GO concentrations, functionalization methods, and dispersion techniques will be tested during the experimental stage. The ultimate goal is to figure out the best combination that can be used in real-world applications while keeping the process scalable and reproducible.