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Alyssa Packard
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Dr. K. Chandrashekhara
Abstract
Nano-engineered polyurethane (PU) composites will have numerous applications in aerospace, construction and automotive industries. PU resins offer several advantages such as improved strength, higher damage and abrasion resistance, higher strains to failure, faster production rates, and reduced VOC emissions as compared to polyester and vinylester resin systems. Bio-based PU resin system derived from soybean oil is a good alternative to the conventional petroleum based PU resin system. Adding nano-additives to the resin system will significantly improve mechanical properties and flame resistance without adding weight. In the present work, base PU and soy-based PU resin systems were studied. Neat resin dog-bone samples were manufactured and characterized for their properties. Four different types of nanoclay were chosen as nanofillers for manufacturing PU nanocomposites.
Alyssa Packard is currently a freshman at Missouri S&T in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department. She graduated from Rolla High School. She is planning on attending graduate school after receiving her B.S. from Missouri S&T.
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