A Facile Synthesis Route of Hybrid Polyurea-Polyurethane-MWCNTs Nanocomposite Coatings for Ballistic Protection and Experimental Testing in Dynamic Regime

Abstract

This study describes a simple, practical, inexpensive, improved, and efficient novel method for obtaining polyurea-polyurethane-multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical properties, and their experimental testing in a dynamic regime. SEM and micro-CT investigations validated the homogeneity of the nanocomposite films and uniform dispersion of the nanofiller inside the polymeric matrix. The experimental measurements (TGA, DSC, DMA, and tensile tests) revealed improved thermal and mechanical properties of these new materials. To demonstrate that these nanocomposites are suitable for ballistic protection, impact tests were performed on aluminum plates coated with the polyurea-polyurethane MWCNTs nanocomposites, using a Hopkinson bar set-up. The experimental testing in the dynamic regime of the polyurea- polyurethane-coated aluminum plates confirmed that the nanocomposite layers allow the metal plate to maintain its integrity at a maximum force value that is almost 200% higher than for the uncoated metallic specimens.

Effect of Aromatic Chain Extenders on Polyurea and Polyurethane Coatings Designed for Defense Applications

“…PU coating could significantly increase the resistance of conventional ceramic/metal armor to create a new armor system without adding extra weight [ 47 ]. In one of our previous studies [ 48 ], we demonstrated that PU–PUR-coated aluminum plates maintained their integrity at impact with a projectile. Many other studies emphasize the advantages of high-performance PU–PUR materials for ballistic protection applications, and a few examples are provided below.…”

A novel reaction mechanism for the synthesis of coconut oil-derived biopolyol for rigid poly(urethane-urea) hybrid foam application

“…Moreover, p-CDEA-substituted foam samples reveal a unique thermal transition ranging from −17 °C-20 °C, vastly different from the PU-V490 control. This transition might be attributed to the glass transition temperatures of urea segments 48 which in Fig. 11 showed a consistently increasing enthalpy change as p-CDEA concentration is increased in the foam formulation.…”

Self- and Cross-Fusing of Furan-Based Polyurea Gels Dynamically Cross-Linked with Maleimides

“…Herein, we focus on a polyurea (PU) formed by the reaction of a diisocyanate and diamine [ 37 , 38 ]. Molecularly, it is similar to polyamide, but has a structure where significant hydrogen bonding occurs between the polymer chains, enhancing the mechanical properties [ 39 , 40 ]. Recently, the use of PUs in films, foams, and composites, such as vertical body panels, spray foams, and microcellular foam liquid plastics, has attracted attention in industrial applications [ 41 , 42 , 43 ].…”