Synthesis and performance of polyurethane/silicon oxide nano-composite coatings

Abstract Chrysotile asbestos has excellent physical and chemical properties, but its high biotoxicity is very damaging to human health, due to its durability, high aspect ratio, and the exist of iron. By simple chemical treatment of chrysotile asbestos, silicon oxide nanofibers rich in hydroxyl groups on the surface can be prepared. In this study, we synthesized a series of polyurethane/silicon oxide nano-composite coatings with special performance following a blending method that introduced silicon oxide nanofibers into polyurethane. Measurement results revealed that, silicon oxide nanofibers can be used as reinforcing filler to increase the hardness, shear strength, wear resistance, thermal stability and chemical resistance of polyurethane coatings. And the optical performance test results indicate that the transmittance of the polyurethane coating decreased with increasing of silicon oxide nanofibers contents. However, the ultraviolet shielding effect of the polyurethane coating was improved to a certain extent with the addition of silicon oxide nanofibers.