Poly(urethane-urea)/silver nanoparticles composites: Synthesis, structure and properties

Poly(urethane-urea) (PUU)/silver nanoparticles (AgNP) polymer composites were successfully produced by in situ synthesis of metal nanoparticles in the presence of polymer. UV-vis spectrometry of the composites demonstrates an appearance of broad plasmonic resonance absorption band of AgNP with concentration dependent intensity. Nanofiller playing a role of intercomponent interactions and phase structure regulation agent of the composites. It was clearly detected from appropriate changes in spectral position and integral intensities of polar C=O and N-H functions of rigid segments and ether groups of flexible polyether fragments of PUU matrix. Thermogravimetry analysis of the samples is evidenced of a shift of decomposition maximum to higher temperature region whereas thermal stability of neat PUU and PUU-based composites is similar. Specific sorption behavior of AgNP-containing composites could be explained by a presence of ionic by-products distributed uniformly in the PUU matrix when the reduction of Ag
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and a formation of AgNP occur. Analysis of tensile properties of the composites shown that PUU and all composites could be identified as thermoplastic elastomers strengthened by the nanofiller. Nevertheless the neat PUU is characterized by highest strength at break and elongation at break values.