Thermal properties of lignin-and molasses-based polyurethane foams

Lignin-and molasses-based polyurethane (PU) foams with various lignin/molasses mixing ratios were prepared. The hydroxyl group in molasses and lignin is used as the reaction site and PU foams with various isocyanate (NCO)/the hydroxyl group (OH) ratios were obtained. Thermal properties of PU foams were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG) and thermal conductivity measurement. Glass transition temperature (T _g) was observed depending on NCO/OH ratio in a temperature range from ca. 80 to 120°C and thermal decomposition temperature (T _d) from ca. 280 to 295°C. Mixing ratio of molasses and lignin polyol scarcely affected the T _g and T _d. Thermal conductivity of PU foams was in a range from 0.030 to 0.040 Wm⁻¹ K⁻¹ depending on mixing ratio of lignin and molasses.     

Thermal properties of solvolysis lignin-derived polyurethanes

Thermal properties of polyurethane (PU) films prepared from solvolysis lignin (SL), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) were examined by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry. In the SL—PEG—MDI system, the SL content, the molecular weight (M_n) of PEG and the NCO/OH ratio were changed in order to control the thermal properties. Glass transition temperatures (T_g's) of the prepared PU's were dependent on the SL content, the M_n of PEG and the NCO/OH ratio. However, the T_g of PU was significantly influenced by the SL content: the increment of T_g was ca. 150 K when the SL content in PEG increased from 0 to ca. 50%. The decomposition of the PU's was markedly dependent on the content of SL. Other factors, such as the NCO/OH ratio and the M_n of PEG, are less dominant compared with the SL content. This fact suggests that the dissociation between the isocyanate groups and the phenolic OH groups in SL may be the major factor in the whole process of the thermal decomposition of the PU containing SL     

Synthesis and thermal studies of flexible polyurethane nanocomposite foams obtained using nanoclay modified with flame retardant compound

This work presents thermal studies of nanocomposites based on the flexible polyurethane (PU) matrix and filled using montmorillonite organically modified with organophosphorus flame retardant compound. Flexible PU nanocomposite foams were prepared in the reaction carried out between reactive alcoholic hydroxyl and isocyanate groups with the ratio of NCO to OH groups equal to 1.05. The amount of an organoclay ranging from 3 to 9 vol% was added to the polyol component of the resin before mixing with isocyanate. The apparent density of PU foams was ranging from 0.066 to 0.077 g cm^?1. Thermal properties of the flexible PU nanocomposite foams were investigated by thermogravimetry and dynamical mechanical analysis. Glass transition temperatures (T _g) were defined as maximum peak on tanδ curve. Thermal decomposition was observed at 310–320 °C (calculated from the onset of TG curve). Tensile strength of the PU foams was determined using mechanical test. The microstructure of the nanoparticles and the composites was investigated by X-ray diffraction. Finally, it was confirmed that the thermal and mechanical properties of flexible PU nanocomposite depend on the amount of nanoclay.     

Synthesis and characterization of polyaniline filled PU/PMMA interpenetrating polymer networks

A series of conducting interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs), are prepared by sequential polymerization of castor oil based polyurethane (PU) with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polyaniline doped with camphor sulphonic acid (PAni)_CSA. The effect of different amount of PAni (varies from 2.5-12.5%) on the properties of PU/PMMA (50/50) IPNs such as electrical properties like conductivity, dielectric constant and dissipation factor; mechanical properties like tensile strength and percentage elongation at break have been reported. (PAni)_CSA filled IPNs shows improved tensile strength than the unfilled IPN system. The thermal stability and surface morphology of unfilled and (PAni)_CSA filled PU/PMMA (50/50) IPN sheets were investigated using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). TGA thermograms of (PAni)_CSA filled PU/PMMA (50/50) IPNs show a three-step thermal degradation process. SEM micrograms of filled PU/PMMA IPN system shows spherulitic structure at higher concentration of (PAni)_CSA.     

Thermogravimetry on wood powder-filled polyurethane composites derived from lignin

Novel polyurethane (PU) composites whose matrix is derived from lignin, molasses polyol and filler from wood powder were successfully prepared. Two kinds of polyol were mixed 0/100 to 100/0 in seven steps, and filler content was varied from 50 to 100 mass % to polyol content. Decomposition behaviour of PU composites was investigated by thermogravimetry. Apparent density and mechanical properties of the above composites were also measured. Surface texture was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Thermal decomposition of PU composites was found to occur in two stages. The first decomposition observed at 570–580 K (DT _d1, peak temperature of derivative curve) is attributed to the matrix of composites. The second stage decomposition depending on filler content, observed in a temperature range from 590 to 630 K (DT _d2), is attributable to filler homogenously associated with PU matrix. Marked differences were not found, when the kinds of lignin and molasses polyol composition were varied. The above PU composites were found to be thermally stabilised by the introduction of filler.     

A study on the glass transition behavior and morphology of semi-interpenetrating polymer networks

The epoxy resin/polyurethane semi-IPN was prepared and the glass transition behavior of the semi-IPN was discussed with DSC and DMA methods. The results show that the two glass transition temperatures (T_g) referring to epoxy resin and polyurethane respectively get closer. Between the two T_g there exists another T_g related to the interface between the two polymers. SEM indicates that this semi-IPN has a two-phase continuous structure which changes with different weight compositions. This is also proved by testing the Young's modulus. It is found that the IPN system has a cellular structure. Comparatively, the compatibility between the two polymers is the best when the weight ratio of EP/PU is 70/30. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Thermal properties of polyurethanes synthesized using waste polyurethane foam glycolysates

In this work thermal transitions and thermal stability of polyurethane intermediates and polyurethanes were investigated. The intermediates were obtained by glycolysis of waste polyurethane (PUR) in the reaction with hexamethylene glycol (HDO). The excess of HDO was not separated from the product after the glycolysis process was finished. The effects of different mass ratio of HDO to PUR foam on selected physicochemical properties (hydroxyl number, Brookfield viscosity and density) were also determined. The polyurethanes were synthesized from the obtained intermediates by the prepolymer method using diisocyanate (MDI) and glycolysis product of molecular mass in range 700/1000 g mol^–1. Hexamethylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol and ethylene glycol were used as chain extender agents. Influence of NCO groups concentration in prepolymer on glass transition temperature (T _g) and storage and loss modulus (E’, E’’) of polyurethanes were investigated by the DMTA method. Thermal decomposition of obtained glycolysates and polyurethanes was followed by thermogravimetry coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Main products of thermal decomposition were identified.     

Effects of molecular weight of nitrocellulose on structure and properties of polyurethane/nitrocellulose IPNs

Semi‐interpenetrating polymer network (semi‐IPN) coatings were prepared by using castor oil‐based polyurethane (PU) and nitrocellulose (NC) with various viscosity‐average molecular weights (M_η) from 6 × 10⁴ to 42 × 10⁴, and coated on a regenerated cellulose (RC) film to obtain water‐resistant film. The PU/NC coatings and coated films, which were cured at 80°C for 5 min and 2 min, respectively, were investigated by infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, swelling test, strength test, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results show that the crosslink densities of the PU/NC semi‐IPNs were smaller than that of pure PU, and decreased with the decrease of M_η of nitrocellulose (NC M_η), indicating NC molecules cohered intimately with PU, and hindered the PU network formation. The physical and mechanical properties of the films coated with PU/NC coatings were significantly improved. With the increase of NC M_η, the strength and thermal stability of the coated films increased, but the pliability, water resistivity, and optical transmission decreased slowly. The PU/NC coating with low NC M_η more readily penetrated into the RC film, and reacted with cellulose, resulting in a strong interfacial bonding and dense surface caused by intimate blend of PU/NC in the coated films. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 37: 1623–1631, 1999     

Effects of organophilic montmorillonite on hydrogen bonding, free volume and glass transition temperature of epoxy resin/polyurethane interpenetrating polymer networks

Epoxy resin nanocomposites containing organophilic montmorillonite (oM) and polyurethane were prepared by adding oM to interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) of epoxy resin and polyurethane (EP/PU). The dispersion degree of oM in EP/PU matrix was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR) showed that strong interactions existed between oM and EP/PU matrix, and oM had some effect on hydrogen bonding of these EP/PU IPNs nanocomposites. Positron annihilation spectroscopy (PALS) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements were used to investigate the effect of oM and PU contents on free volume and glass transition temperature (T_g) of these nanocomposites. The PALS and DSC results clearly showed that the presence of oM led to a decrease in the total fractional free volume, which was consistent with increasing T_g upon addition of oM, ascribed to increasing hydrogen bonding in interfacial regions of oM and EP/PU matrix and enhancing the miscibility between EP phase and PU phase. In addition, with increasing PU content, the total fractional free volume increased, corresponding to decreasing T_g.     

Synthesis and electrical,rheological and thermal characterization of conductive polyurethane

This work studies the electrical, rheological, and thermal characteristics for polyurethane (PU) capped with tetraaniline as a new material, tetraaniline-containing poly(urethane–urea) (TAPU). The conductivities can be increased from less than 10⁻¹⁰ S/cm for pure PU to 10⁻⁴ S/cm for TAPU, independently of the length of the soft segment in the TAPU backbone chain. The tensile strength and modulus are increased when PU is copolymerized with tetraaniline. The viscoelastic creep can be effectively simulated using a Burgers model. Additionally, TAPU has higher viscosity, higher retardation time, and lower compliance J ₁ than regular PU. Restated, TAPU exhibits less elastic but superior permanent deformation than PU because tetraaniline functions as a chain holder. The thermogravimetric analytic (TGA) results reveal that TAPU has lower T _d, smaller T _mw1 and T _mw2, and higher char yield because the dehydration of the urea-containing polymer produces a thin layer from a nitrogen compound on the polymer’s surface, which insulates the underlying polymer from heat and oxygen.     

Synthesis and properties of conducting organic/inorganic polyurethane hybrids

A series of polyurethane/polyaniline/silica organic/inorganic hybrids were synthesized via the conventional polyurethane (PU) prepolymer technique. Amine-endcapped polyaniline (PANI) with low molecular weight and higher solubility was firstly synthesized. This PANI oligomer was then used together with nano-silica bearing silanol groups as chain extenders to prepare the conducting polyurethane hybrids. The polyurethane hybrids were designated as PU-xPANI-ySiO₂ (x + y = 1). For comparison, the urethane-aniline block copolymer and the PU/silica hybrid were designated as PU-PANI and PU-SiO₂, respectively.The structures of PU-PANI, PU-SiO₂ and conducting polyurethane hybrids were confirmed by FT-IR, solid-state ¹³C, and ²⁹Si NMR spectra. In nano-silica containing organic/inorganic conducting polyurethane hybrids, UV-vis spectra revealed the maximum absorption bands similar to that of PU-PANI. X-ray diffraction patterns indicated that these samples are typical of semicrystalline/amorphous materials. SEM image of PU-0.5PANI-0.5SiO₂ showed that PANI was dispersed homogeneously and interconnected continuously in the insulating PU-silica matrix. TGA results of the polymer hybrids exhibited higher thermal stabilities and lower decomposition rates than that of PU-PANI both in nitrogen and air. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies indicated that the polyurethane hybrids had higher glass-transition temperatures (T_g) with the increase of PANI, but lower than that of PU-PANI. Stress-strain curves for all of the polyurethane hybrids showed the elastomeric behavior of typical polyurethanes. The surface resistivity values of all hybrids were about 10⁸ ∼ 10¹⁰ Ω/sq. and might meet the requirement of the anti-electrostatic materials.     

A novel approach to fluorinated polyurethane by macromonomer copolymerization

For the first time, through macromonomer radical copolymerization, a novel fluorinated polyurethane (FPU) was synthesized based on partly acrylate-endcapped polyurethane macromonomers with hexafluorobutyl acrylate (HFBA). Partly acrylate-endcapped polyurethane (PU) macromonomers were synthesized using isophronediisocyanate (IPDI), dimethylol propionic acid (DMPA), polyethylene adipate glycols (PEA) etc. The novel fluorinated polymer, which bore PU side chains and fluorinated side chains, was confirmed by F¹⁹ NMR spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), elemental analysis, scanning electron spectroscopy (SEM) etc. Copolymerization of polyurethane macromonomers with hexafluorobutyl acrylate (HFBA) was briefly investigated. The surface tension of FPU solution was measured and showed sharply decrease compared to that of pure polyurethane. Results from SEM showed a uniform size distribution of phase micro-domains on the fracture surface of FPU.     

Thermal decomposition of bisphenol A-based polyetherurethanes blown with pentane: Part II—Influence of the novel NaH2PO4/NaHSO4 flame retardant system

The thermal degradation process of ethoxylated bisphenol A (BPA) and oxyalkylenated 2,6-toluylenediamine-based polyurethane (PU) foams blown with pentane and flame retarded by novel NaH₂PO₄ and NaHSO₄ intumescent system (5:3, w/w) was studied by thermogravimetry coupled with mass spectrometry (TG–MS), thermogravimetry coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG–FTIR), pyrolysis–gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (Py/GC–MS) and diffuse reflectance Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) methods. It has been found that NaH₂PO₄/NaHSO₄ system is active both at the initiation stage of PU decomposition as well as it catalyses cross-linking reactions that lead to enhanced char formation during degradation; both effects contribute to the overall flame retardation effect.     

Thermal analysis and compatibility studies of prednicarbate with excipients used in semi solid pharmaceutical form

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry (TG/DTG) and infrared spectroscopy (IR) techniques were used to investigate the compatibility between prednicarbate and several excipients commonly used in semi solid pharmaceutical form. The thermoanalytical studies of 1:1 (m/m) drug/excipient physical mixtures showed that the beginning of the first thermal decomposition stage of the prednicarbate (T _onset value) was decreased in the presence of stearyl alcohol and glyceryl stearate compared to the drug alone. For the binary mixture of drug/sodium pirrolidone carboxilate the first thermal decomposition stage was not changed, however the DTG peak temperature (T _{peak DTG}) decreased. The comparison of the IR spectra of the drug, the physical mixtures and of the thermally treated samples confirmed the thermal decomposition of prednicarbate. By the comparison of the thermal profiles of 1:1 prednicarbate:excipients mixtures (methylparaben, propylparaben, carbomer 940, acrylate crosspolymer, lactic acid, light liquid paraffin, isopropyl palmitate, myristyl lactate and cetyl alcohol) no interaction was observed.     

Polyurethane Networks Nanoreinforced by Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane

Summary: Octaaminophenyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (OapPOSS) was used as a crosslinking agent together with 4,4^′‐methylenebis‐(2‐chloroaniline) to prepare polyurethane networks containing POSS. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were employed to characterize the POSS‐reinforced polyurethane. The POSS‐containing PU networks displayed enhanced glass transition temperatures (T_gs) and the storage moduli of the networks of the glassy state and rubber plateaus were also observed to be significantly higher than that of the control polyurethane although only a small amount of POSS was incorporated into the systems. The results can be ascribed to the significant nanoscale reinforcement effect of POSS cages on the polyurethane matrix. TGA results showed the thermal stability was also improved with incorporation of POSS into the system.

Dynamic mechanical spectra of PU and PU nanocomposites containing POSS.     

Lanthanum phenylphosphonate–based multilayered coating for reducing flammability and smoke production of flexible polyurethane foam

In the present work, lanthanum phenylphosphonate (LaPP)–based multilayered film was fabricated on the surface of flexible polyurethane (PU) foam by layer‐by‐layer self‐assembled method. The successful deposition of the coating was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX). Subsequently, the thermal decomposition and burning behavior of untreated and treated PU foams were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and cone calorimeter, respectively. The TGA results indicated that T_max2 of treated PU foams were increased by approximately 15°C to 20°C as compared with untreated PU foam. The peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) of PU‐6 (with 19.5 wt% weight gain) were 188 kW/m² and 20.3 MJ/m², with reductions of 70% and 15% as compared with those of untreated PU foam, respectively. Meanwhile, the smoke production of treated PU foam was suppressed after the construction of LaPP‐based coating.     

Incorporation of polydimethylsiloxane into polyurethanes and characterization of copolymers

Novel copolymers of polyurethane (PU) were prepared by direct transurethanetion reaction of a commercial PU with polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS, MW 1000, 5000, and 10,000) containing hydroxyl end-groups. Transurethanetions with different mass ratios of hydrophobic PDMS to hydrophilic PU chains (PDMS1000–PU: 43:57, 67:33, 71:29, and 80:20; PDMS5000–PU: 37:63, and 51:49; PDMS10000–PU: 51:49) were carried out in solution at 65 and 100 °C. In catalyzed reactions, dibutyltin dilaurate (SnC₃₂H₆₄O₄) was used to promote bond breaking in the PU chain and accelerate the reaction between hydroxyl end-groups of PDMS and regenerated isocyanates of PU. The chemical structures of the prepared copolymers were comprehensively characterized by ¹H, ¹³C, and ²⁹Si NMR spectroscopies. According to elemental analysis, the content of PDMS varied between 3 wt.% and 16 wt.%, and results obtained from the ¹H NMR spectroscopy were in good agreement with the results of elemental analysis. Increased length of the hydrophobic chain increased the content of PDMS in the copolymer. The GPC results showed that molar masses of the PUPDMS copolymers were lower than the molar mass of the starting PU. The glass transitions (T_g) of the copolymers were shifted to lower temperature as compared with T_g of the starting polyurethane. ATR FTIR spectroscopy showed the surface of the copolymer films to be enriched with siloxane groups and, according to electron microscopy, it was textured with microspheres. The static contact angles for copolymer films measured with deionized water ranged from 94° to 117°. The different structural, thermal and surface properties of the PUPDMS copolymers as compared with PU indicated that transurethanetion had taken place.     

Influence of the composition on the glass transition temperature of polyurethane and polyurethane acrylate networks

Linear polyurethane, linear segmented polyurethane, polyurethane networks, and polyurethane acrylate networks of various composition were synthesized. The variation of T_g with the type of macrodiol, its length, and the chemical composition of the polymer were studied in relation with the percentage of soft segments, the molar mass between crosslinks, and the concentration of urethane bonds. In this work, the networks were considered as composed of chain segments of various composition between point-like crosslinks. The chemical heterogeneities of the networks were not taken into account. For polyurethanes, it was shown that T_g values are essentially controlled by the amount of urethane bonds. For polyurethane acrylates, the T_g values are dependent on the amount of urethane bonds but also on the presence of crosslinks whose number is varying with the excess of diisocyanate of the first step three times faster for PUA compared with PU. No clear relation was observed between T_g and the molar mass between point-like crosslinks. Another approach considering the network heterogeneities is indispensable and will be used in a following work. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Polyurethane (urea)/polyacrylates interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) adhesives for low surface energy materials

On the basis of the polymerization of the acrylate phase catalyzed by the oxidation of trialkylborane at room temperature, a series of polyurethane (urea)/polyacrylates adhesives with interpenetrating polymer network structure (IPNS) was synthesized. The crosslinking polyurethane (urea) phase was synthesized by the reaction between polymer diamine or triol and isocyanate. The resulting IPN adhesives as a function of the polyurethane (urea) or 2‐hydroxylethyl acrylate terminated polyurethane (HEA‐PU) (crosslinking agent of acrylate phase) content were explored. The adhesive morphology took on the IPNS that manifested as a finely dispersed polyurethane (urea) phase in the acrylate phase. Excellent adhesion to low surface energy materials was achieved within a wide range of polyurethane (urea) contents. The IPN adhesives also displayed better flexibility than polyacrylate adhesives with HEA‐PU as a crosslinking agent. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Kinetic Analysis of the Thermal Decomposition of Dialkyldithiocarbamates Chelates of Indium(III)

The kinetics of thermal decomposition of solid In(S₂CNR₂)₃ complexes, (R=CH₃, C₂H₅, n-C₃H₇,i-C₃H₇, n-C₄H₉ and i-C₄H₉), has been studied using isothermal and non-isothermal thermogravimetry. Superimposed TG/DTG/DSC curves show that thermal decomposition reactions occur in the liquid phase, except for the In(S₂CNMe₂)₃ and In(S₂CNPrⁱ ₂)₃ compounds. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.