The flexible stab-resistant composite membrane made by thermoplastic polyurethane filled with modified nanoparticles

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) has good elasticity and tear resistance, and is often applied in the field of flexible puncture resistance although the puncture resistance of pure TPU is limited. In this paper, silica powder (SiO2) and styrene butadiene rubber powder (SBR) with different concentrations were used as fillers to reinforce the TPU matrix respectively. To overcome the problem of poor interfacial compatibility between filler and matrix, the silane coupling agent r-Aminopropyltrieth oxysilanee (KH550) was selected to modify the particles. The compatibility of particles and matrix, the puncture properties and tensile properties of composites were assessed by FTIR, TEM, SEM, tensile testing, and needle puncture testing. Further, the tensile and puncture properties of composites with different types and concentrations of particles were systematically compared and analyzed to find optimal parameters. The results show that the best modification effect is gained when the mass ratio of KH550 and nanoparticles is 0.85:1 and the specific puncture strength of TPU membranes incorporated modified SiO2 or SBR nanoparticles can be increased by up to 106.4% and 85% respectively compared to pure TPU membrane.