Synergistic enhancement effect of nano-SiO₂ and ionic liquids on mechanical properties and impact resistance of polyurethane elastomer

A nano-polymer (IL@SiO₂) was synthesized by double bond polymerization and creatively applied to polyurethane elastomer (PUE-IL@SiO₂). The mechanical properties and energy absorption of PUE-IL@SiO₂ at static compression and dynamic impact were studied, respectively. The results show that: compared with pure PUE, the static compressive properties and dynamic impact resistance of PUE with a loading of IL@SiO₂ of 2wt% are the best, and the static and dynamic compressive yield strength are improved by 216.15% and 190.68% compared with PUE respectively. Moreover, the energy absorption of PUE-2%IL@SiO₂ is improved by 18.87% compared with PUE. The composite materials (PUE-2%IL@SiO₂) also has excellent deformation recovery performance. These outstanding mechanical properties illustrate the IL@SiO₂ is excellent impact resistance and reinforcing materials for PUE.