Morphology and tensile properties of model thermoplastic polyurethanes with MDI/butanediol based monodisperse hard segments

Morphology and tensile properties of model thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) containing polyisobutylene (PIB) or poly(tetramethylene oxide) (PTMO) based soft segment and 4,4‐methylene bis(phenyl isocyanate) (MDI) and 1,4‐butanediol (BDO) based monodisperse hard segments (HSs), consisting of exactly two to four MDI units extended by BDO, were investigated. Using FT‐IR spectroscopy, increased hydrogen bonded C?O fraction was observed in model TPUs as the HS size increased. The hydrogen bonded C?O fraction was higher in PIB based TPUs compared with PTMO based TPUs, indicating higher phase separation in PIB based TPUs. The morphology of TPUs was investigated using AFM phase imaging, which showed ribbon‐like or interconnected hard domains in PTMO based model TPUs and randomly dispersed hard domains in PIB based model TPUs. SAXS revealed that the degree of phase separation in the model TPUs was higher than in their polydisperse analogues. Domain spacing as well as interfacial thickness increased with the increasing HS size, and both values were higher in PTMO based TPUs. The tensile analysis indicated that model TPUs exhibited higher modulus and slightly higher elongation compared with their polydisperse analogues. Only in PTMO based model TPUs, strain induced crystallization was observed above 300% elongation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016 , 54, 2485–2493     

Studies on thermoplastic polyurethanes based on new diphenylethane-derivative diols. II. Synthesis and characterization of segmented polyurethanes from HDI and MDI

Various new thermoplastic segmented polyurethanes were synthesized by a one-step melt polymerization from aliphatic-aromatic α,ω-diols containing sulfur in the aliphatic chain, including 4,4′-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis(benzenethioethanol), 4,4′-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis(benzenethiopropanol) and 4,4′-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis(benzenethiodecanol) as chain extenders, hexane-1,6-diyl diisocyanate (HDI) or 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and 20-80 mol% poly(oxytetramethylene)diol (PTMO) with molecular weight of 1000 g/mol as a soft segment. The reaction was conducted at the molar ratio of NCO/OH = 1 and 1.05, and in the case of the HDI-based polyurethanes in the presence of dibutyltin dilaurate as a catalyst. The effect of the diisocyanate used on the structure and some physicochemical, thermal and mechanical properties of the segmented polyurethanes were studied. The structures of these polyurethanes were examined by FTIR and X-ray diffraction analysis. The thermal properties were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. Shore hardness and tensile properties were also determined. All the synthesized polymers showed partially crystalline structures. The MDI-based polyurethanes were products with lower crystallinity, higher glass-transition temperature (T_g) and better thermal stability in comparison with the HDI-based ones. The MDI series polymers also exhibited higher tensile strength (up to ∼36 MPa vs. ∼23 MPa) and elongation at break (up to ∼3900% vs. ∼900%), but lower hardness than the analogous HDI series polyurethanes. In both series of the polymers an increase in PTMO soft-segment content was associated with decreased crystallinity, T_g, hardness and tensile strength. An increase in PTMO content also involved an increase in elongation at break.     

Polyisobutylene‐based polyurethanes X: PU nanocomposites with s‐containing soft segments

Sulfur‐containing polyisobutylene (PIB)‐based polyurethane nanocomposite (PIB_s‐PU/NC) was synthesized using HO? CH₂CH₂? S? PIB? S? CH₂CH₂? OH for the soft segment, conventional hard segments of MDI and BDO, and organically modified montmorillonite (OmMMT) nanolayers. The properties of PIB_s‐PU/NC containing 72.5% PIB and 0.5% OmMMT were studied and contrasted with unmodified PIB_s‐PU. PIB_s‐PU/NC produces colorless optically clear films exhibiting enhanced tensile strength, elongation, oxidative–hydrolytic stability, and creep resistance relative to that of PIB_s‐PU. FTIR spectroscopy indicates H bonded S atoms between soft and hard segments, and OmMMT nanolayers. DSC and XRD suggest randomly dispersed low‐periodicity crystals and urea groups between galleries. We propose that minute amounts of OmMMT nanolayers become covalently attached to polyurethane chains and beneficially affect properties by acting as co‐chain extender/reinforcing filler. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016 , 54, 2760–2765     

Polyisobutylene‐based polyurethanes. II. Polyureas containing mixed PIB/PTMO soft segments

The design, synthesis, characterization, and structure–property behavior of polyureas containing novel soft segments of mixed polyisobutylene (PIB)/poly(tetramethylene oxide) (PTMO) chains and conventional hard segments is presented. Modest amounts (12%) of PTMO in the soft PIB phase significantly increase both the tensile strength and elongation of the polyureas. These polyureas exhibit not only oxidative/hydrolytic stabilities far superior to Bionate® and Elast‐Eon® considered the most oxidatively stable polyurethanes on the market but also display mechanical properties (29 MPa tensile strength and 200% elongation) approaching those of conventional thermoplastic polyurethanes. The surfaces of these polyureas are covered/protected by PIB segments, which will lead to excellent biocompatibility. Our results demonstrate that the PTMO segments facilitate stress transfer from the continuous mixed soft phase to the dispersed hard phase, which strengthens and flexibilizes PIB‐based polyureas and thus significantly improves elastomeric properties without compromising oxidative and hydrolytic stability. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 2787–2797, 2009     

Polyisobutylene‐based polyurethanes. V. Oxidative‐hydrolytic stability and biocompatibility

The oxidative/hydrolytic stability of polyurethanes (PUs) containing exclusively polyisobutylene (PIB), or mixed PIB/polytetramethylene oxide (PTMO), or mixed PIB/polyhexamethylene carbonate (PC) soft segments was investigated. The tensile strengths and elongations of various PUs were determined before and after agitating in 35% HNO₃ or 20% H₂O₂/0.1 M CoCl₂ solutions and retentions were quantified. The presence of PIB imparts significant oxidative/hydrolytic resistance. The tensile strength and elongation of PUs containing 70% PIB, or those of mixed PIB/PC soft segments with 50% PIB, remained essentially unchanged upon exposure to HNO₃; in contrast, PUs containing mixed PIB/PTMO soft segments with 50% PIB underwent significant degradation. The tensile strength of PUs with mixed PIB/PC (60/10%) soft segment increased after exposure to HNO₃, most likely because of oxidative crosslinking of PC segments. PIB/PTMO‐ and PIB/PC‐based PUs and commercially available PUs (Elast‐Eon® and Carbothane®) were exposed to H₂O₂/CoCl₂ solutions for up to 14 weeks. Although the experimental PIB/PC‐based PUs exhibited negligible change in mechanical properties and no surface damage, Elast‐Eon® and Carbothane® showed significant surface damage. PIB‐based polyureas and Bionate® were implanted in rats for 4 weeks in vivo, and their biocompatibility was investigated. The biocompatibility of PIB‐based materials was superior to Bionate®. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2194–2203, 2010     

The structure of MDI/BDO-based polyurethanes: Diffraction studies on model compounds and oriented thin films

Polyurethanes based on MDI/BDO are known to crystallize in three distinct forms. Two of these crystal structures, type II and type III, have been characterized by electron and x-ray diffraction experiments on model compounds and oriented thin films of a 77% hard-segment polyurethane elastomer. The model compounds were of the form BDO(MDI/BDO)_n with n = 1, 2, 3. Results from the model compounds indicate that the MDI/BDO repeat crystallizes in the type-II structure, which has a contracted conformation with a monomer repeat length of 1.70 nm. MDI/BDO-based polyurethanes also exhibit the type-II structure under quiescent crystallization conditions. Studies of oriented thin films of an MDI/BDO-based polyurethane indicate that a change in crystal form occurs on stretching to the fully extended monomer conformation. This crystal form is termed type III and has a monomer repeat length of 1.92 nm.     

Polyisobutylene‐based polyurethanes. IX. synthesis,characterization, and properties of polyisobutylene‐based poly(urethane‐ureas)

Polyisobutylene (PIB)‐based polyurethanes (PUs) exhibit unparalleled hydrolytic‐oxidative‐biologic stability and are melt processible, however, their mechanical (strength) properties are modest mainly due to insufficient H bonds. We posited and demonstrate that the ultimate properties of PIB‐PUs are enhanced, while their melt processibility is maintained, by the judicious introduction of urea linkages, i.e., strong bifurcated H bonds, in the chain. The incorporation of bifurcated H bonds in PIB‐PUs was achieved by using the conventional butane diol chain extender (CE) in combination with controlled amounts of amino alcohol as co‐chain extender (co‐CE). Polyurethanes containing both urethane and urea linkages are polyurethane‐ureas (PUU). Specifically, PIB‐PUUs prepared with PIB‐diol/MDI together with 80/20 mole % butane diol/amino butanol exhibited ～30 MPa tensile strength, ～550% elongation, ～80 Shore A hardness, and ～137 °C flow temperature. Other amino alcohols, i.e., amino ethanol, ‐propanol, and ‐hexanol, were less effective co‐CEs. ¹H‐NMR and FT‐IR spectroscopies indicate the presence of bifurcated H bonds in PIB‐PUUs prepared with CE/co‐CE combinations. Characterization by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, and creep experiments also suggest bifurcated H bonds in PIB‐PUU. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016 , 54, 2361–2369     

Thermal analysis and static strength of polyurethanes obtained from glycolysates

In this work thermal stability and tensile strength of polyurethanes obtained from glycolysates was investigated. The glycolysates were produced via glycolysis of waste polyurethane foam (PUR) in the reaction with 1,3-propylene glycol (PG). Polyurethanes were synthesized from the obtained intermediates by the prepolymer method using diisocyanate (MDI) and glycolysis product of molecular mass ranging from 700 to 1000, while 1,4-butylene glycol (BDO) was used as a chain elongation agent. The influence of NCO group concentration in prepolymer on tensile strength and elongation at break of polyurethanes was investigated using Zwick universal tensile tester. Thermal decomposition of the obtained glycolysates and polyurethanes was followed by TG coupled with FTIR spectroscopy. The main products of thermal decomposition have been identified.     

Polyisobutylene‐based segmented polyureas. I. Synthesis of hydrolytically and oxidatively stable polyureas

Novel segmented polyurea elastomers containing soft polyisobutylene (PIB) segments were synthesized and characterized. The key ingredient, primary amine‐telechelic PIB oligomers (NH₂‐PIB‐NH₂) with number average molecular weights of 2500 and 6200 g/mol were synthesized. PIB‐based polyureas were prepared by using various aliphatic diisocyanates and diamine chain extenders with hard segment contents between 9.5 and 46.5% by weight. All copolymers displayed microphase morphologies as determined by dynamic mechanical analysis. Tensile strengths of nonchain‐extended and chain‐extended polyureas showed a linear dependence on the urea hard segment content. PIB‐based polyureas prepared with NH₂‐PIB‐NH₂ of M_n = 2500 g/mol, 4,4′‐methylendbis(cyclohexylisocyantate), and 1,6‐diaminohexane containing 45% hard segment exhibited 19.5 MPa tensile strength which rose to 23 MPa upon annealing at 150 °C for 12 h. With increasing hard segment content, elongation at break decreased from ～ 450% to a plateau of 110%. The hydrolytic and oxidative stability of PIB‐based polyureas were unprecedented. Although commercial “oxidatively resistant” thermoplastic polyurethanes degraded severely upon exposure to boiling water or concentrated nitric acid, the experimental polyureas survived without much degradation in properties. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 38–48, 2009     

Structure–property co‐relationship of fluorinated poly(imide‐siloxane)s

Eight poly(imide‐siloxane)s co‐polymers have been prepared by one pot solution imidization method. The polymers are synthesized by the reaction of bisphenol‐A‐dianhydride (BPADA) with fluorinated diamine 4,4′‐bis(3″‐trifluoromethyl‐p‐aminobiphenyl ether) biphenyl, and aminopropyl‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane (APPS). The polymers are synthesized by varying the siloxane loading to 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 wt%, respectively. Thermal, mechanical, rheological, and dielectric properties of these polymers have been evaluated with respect to siloxane loading. The polymers showed glass transition temperature of 107–203°C and tensile strength at break of 24–75 MPa depending on siloxane loading. The elongation break of the polymers ranges from 24 to 144% depending on siloxane loading. The amounts of char residue in the polymers have been correlated with incorporated siloxane in the polymer by NMR techniques. The polymers showed very low water absorption and dielectric constant as low as 2.43 when the siloxane loading is 40 wt%. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Polyisobutylene‐based polyurethanes. III. Polyurethanes containing PIB/PTMO soft co‐segments

The synthesis, characterization, and structure–property behavior of polyurethanes containing polyisobutylene (PIB)/poly(tetramethylene oxide) (PTMO) soft co‐segments and bis(4‐isocyanatocyclohexyl)methane (HMDI)/hexanediol (HDO) hard segments is presented. The mechanical (stress/strain, hardness, and hysteresis) properties of these novel polyurethanes were investigated over a broad composition range. PIB‐based polyurethanes with HMDI/HDO hard segments showed better mechanical properties than earlier polyurethanes containing highly crystalline hard segments. The addition of moderate amounts (20% by weight) of PTMO significantly increased both tensile strengths and elongation. In the presence of larger amounts of PIB, these polyurethanes are expected to possess oxidative/hydrolytic/enzymatic stabilities superior to commercially available polyurethanes. These polyurethanes are softer and exhibit hysteresis superior to or comparable with conventional polyurethanes. According to initial thermal studies, these materials show good melt processibility. Overall, the mechanical properties of PIB based hybrid polyurethanes are similar to commercially important polyurethane type biomaterials. Our results show that the incorporation of PTMO segments to PIB‐based polyurethanes significantly improves elastomeric properties. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 5278–5290, 2009     

Synthesis,characterization, and photopolymerization of (meth)acrylate-functional polyisobutylene macromers produced by cleavage/alkylation of butyl rubber

Linear, multi-functional polyisobutylene (PIB) macromers bearing pendent and terminal (meth)acrylate moieties were prepared via electrophilic cleavage/alkylation of butyl rubber in the presence of (3-bromopropoxy)benzene, followed by displacement of the resulting bromide moieties with potassium (meth)acrylate. Number average functionality (F_n) ranged from 2.8–7.9; functional equivalent weights ranged from 2.3–4.7 kg/mol. For comparison, a three-arm, end-functional PIB triacrylate with equivalent weight of 3.3 kg/mol was also synthesized via living polymerization and end quenching with 4-phenoxy-1-butyl acrylate. All polymers were photocured using Darocur 1173 photoinitiator, and curing kinetics were monitored by real time Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. All systems reached ~100% conversion by 1,800 s, but the linear macromers displayed slower curing rates compared to the PIB triacrylate. The curing rate of linear macromers increased as molecular weight decreased. Cured networks were characterized using dynamic mechanical analysis and tensile testing. Tensile strength varied from 0.15–0.80 MPa. Young's modulus varied from 0.13–1.8 MPa. Strain at break for most networks ranged from 34–54%, but the network derived from the lowest molecular weight PIB reached 113% at failure. Percent extractables, measured using solvent extraction, was about 2% for linear macromers and about 4% for PIB triacrylate.     

Syntheses,characterization, and properties of multiblock copolymers consisting of polyisobutylene and poly(L‐lactide) segments

The syntheses of {‐poly(L ‐lactide) (PLLA)‐b‐polyisobutylene (PIB)‐}_n multiblock copolymers were accomplished for the first time by chain extension of PLLA‐b‐PIB‐b‐PLLA triblock copolymers. Well‐defined PLLA‐b‐PIB‐b‐PLLA triblock copolymers with predictable M_ns, low PDIs (1.10–1.18) and excellent blocking efficiencies were prepared by anionic ring‐opening polymerizations of L ‐lactide initiated with hydroxyallyl telechelic PIB (HO‐Allyl‐PIB‐Allyl‐OH) in toluene at 110 °C. The triblock copolymers were successfully chain extended with 4,4′‐methylenebis(phenylisocyanate) (MDI) to obtain the multiblock copolymers with good gravimetric yields of ～86 to 96%. The chain‐extended polymers were soluble in a range of common organic solvents. The block copolymers showed two glass transition temperatures in differential scanning calorimetric analysis for the PIB and PLLA blocks indicating microphase separation, which was supported by atomic force microscopy images. The as‐synthesized compression molded multiblock copolymers exhibited tensile strengths in the range of 8–24 MPa with elongations at break in the range of 2.5–400%. The static and dynamic mechanical properties showed a strong dependence on the relative PLLA content in the copolymer. The dynamic mechanical analysis also indicated microphase separation at higher PLLA compositions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 3490–3505, 2009     

Electrospun poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐based composites using synthesized β‐tricalcium phosphate

Non‐woven hybrid membranes based on poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) and as‐synthesized β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) were obtained by the electrospinning technique. A wide range of composition was investigated, the filler content spanning between 2 and 60 wt%. The synthesis of the β‐TCP powder was accomplished by titration of calcium hydroxide with phosphoric acid followed by calcination of the resulting precipitate at 1100°C. The as‐dried calcium phosphate was characterized by Inductive Coupled Plasma (AES‐ICP), thermal analysis (TG‐DTA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and high temperature X‐ray diffraction analysis (HT‐XRD). The specific surface area (SSA) was evaluated by N₂ adsorption. Microstructure of PCL/TCP membranes was investigated by SEM, energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS), XRD analysis, and SSA measurements. The average fiber diameter ranged between 1 and 2 µm, the porosity was 80–90%, and the SSA 16 m²/g. Mechanical properties were determined by uniaxial tensile test. A remarkable enhancement of the tensile modulus was observed for composites containing up to 4 wt% β‐TCP. The ultimate tensile strength ranged between 2 and 3 MPa for samples loaded up to 8 wt%. For most of the samples, the elongation at break was in the range 100–150%. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Polyisobutylene-containing block polymers by sequential monomer addition. IV. New triblock thermoplastic elastomers comprising high Tg styrenic glassy segments: Synthesis,characterization and physical properties

New linear triblock thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) comprising a rubbery polyisobutylene (PIB) midblock flanked by two glassy endblocks of various styrenic polymers have been synthesized by living carbocationic polymerization by sequential monomer addition. First isobutylene (IB) was polymerized by a bifunctional tert-ether (dicumyl methyl ether) initiator in conjunction with TiCl₄ coinitiator in CH₃Cl/methylcyclohexane (MeCHx) (40/60 v/v) solvent mixtures at ?80°C. After the living narrow molecular weight distribution PIB midblock ( = 1.1–1.2) has reached the desired molecular weight, the styrenic monomers together with an electron pair donor (ED) and a proton trap (di-tert-butylpyridine, DtBP) were added to start the blocking of the glassy segments from the living ⊕PIB⊕ chain ends. While p-methylstyrene (pMeSt), p-t-butylstyrene (ptBuSt) and indene (In) gave essentially 100% blocking to the corresponding glassy endblocks, the blocking of 2,4,6-trimethylstyrene (TMeSt) and α-methylstyrene (αMeSt) were ineffective. Uncontrolled initiation by protic impurities was prevented by the use of DtBP. In the simultaneous presence of DtBP and the strong ED N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA), TPEs with good mechanical properties (10–20 MPa tensile strength, 300–600% elongation) were prepared. The products exhibit a low and a high temperature T_g characteristic of phase separated rubbery and glassy domains. The service temperature of these new TPEs exceeds that of PSt–PIB–PSt triblock copolymers due to the higher T_gs (PpMeSt = 108, PptBuSt = 142 and PIn = 220–240°C) of the outer blocks. The T_g of the glassy blocks can be regulated by copolymerizing two styrene derivatives; a triblock copolymer with outer blocks of poly(pt-butylstyrene-co-indene) showed a single glassy transition T_g = +165°C, i.e., in between that of PptBuSt and PIn. Virgin TPEs have been repeatedly compression molded without deterioration of physical properties. The high melt flow index obtained with a TPE containing PptBuSt endblocks suggests superior processability relative to those with PSt end-blocks. The tensile strength retention at 60°C of the former TPE is far superior to that of a PSt–PIB–PSt triblock of similar composition.     

Tunable microstructures and mechanical deformation in transparent poly(urethane urea)s

Transparent poly(urethane urea) (TPUU) materials offer an avenue to enable material designs with potential to achieve simultaneous enhancements in both physical and mechanical properties. To optimize the performance required for each application, the molecular features that influence the microstructure, the glass transition temperature (T_g), the deformation mechanisms, and the mechanical deformation behavior must be understood and exploited. In this work, a comprehensive materials characterization of select model PUUs with tunable microstructures is addressed. Increasing the hard segment (HS) content increases the stiffness and flow stress levels, whereas altering the soft segment (SS) molecular weight from 2000 to 1000 g/mol leads to an enhanced phase mixing with a SS T_g shifted ～17 °K toward higher temperatures as well as broadening of the SS relaxation closer to room temperature. As a result, the 1K TPUU materials display greater rate‐dependent stiffening and strain hardening on mechanical deformation over the broad range of strain rates covered in this work (10^?3 to 10⁴ s^?1). In such case of similar urea‐based HS content, the molar content of the urethane linkages, per stoichiometric requirements, is much higher in the 1K TPUUs than the 2K TPUUs. These additional urethane moieties lead to an increase in the extent of intermolecular interactions, via hydrogen bonding between the HS and the SS, providing not only further phase mixing and stronger rate sensitivity but also provide 1K TPUUs with drastically improved barrier properties. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011     

Synthesis and properties of polycyanoethylmethylsiloxane polyurea urethane elastomers: A study of segmental compatibility

A series of polyurea urethane block polymers based on either aminopropyl-terminated polycyanoethylmethylsiloxane (PCEMS) soft segments or soft segment blends of PCEMS and polytetramethylene oxide (PTMO) were synthesized. The hard segments consisted of 4,4′-methylenediphenylene diisocyanate (MDI) chain-extended with 1,4-butanediol. The hard segment content varied from 11 to 36%, whereas the PTMO weight fraction in the soft segment blends varied from 0.1 to 0.9. The cyanoethyl side group concentration was also varied during the synthesis of the PCEMS oligomer. The morphology and properties of these polymers were studied by differential scanning calorimetry, infrared spectroscopy, dynamic mechanical and tensile testing, and small-angle x-ray scattering. These materials exhibited microphase separation of the hard and soft segments; however, attaching polar cyanoethyl side groups along the apolar siloxane chains promoted phase mixing in comparison with polydimethylsiloxane-based polyurethanes. The increased phase mixing is postulated to lead to improved interfacial adhesion and thus can account for the observed improvement in ultimate tensile properties compared with polydimethylsiloxane-based polyurethanes. Both hard segment content and cyanoethyl concentration are important factors governing the morphological and tensile properties of these polymers.     

Structure analysis of polyether-based thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers by FTIR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR

One kind of unknown structure sequence and composition ratio of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The results showed that the polyurethane (PU) was obtained from poly(tetramethylene glycol) (PTMG) as soft segment, 1,4-butanediol (BDO) as chain extender, and 4,4′-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) as hard segment. Furthermore, the composition ratio of MDI:PTMG:BDO was 2.07:1.22:1.00. At last, the molecular weight of PU was determined by GPC, and the number average molecular weight (M_n) and weight average molecular weight (M_w) are 63,300 and 133,800?g?mol^?1, respectively.     

Polyisobutylene‐based polyurethanes: VII. structure/property investigations for medical applications

The outstanding hydrolytic and oxidative stabilities of polyisobutylene‐based polyurethanes (PIB‐based PUs) were reported earlier. Herein, we summarize recent investigations aimed at further enhancing hydrolytic‐oxidative stabilities (in terms of resistance to aqueous buffer, nitric acid and CoCl₂/H₂O₂) together with excellent mechanical properties. The purity and dryness of ingredients together with precise NCO/OH stoichiometry (～1.05) are essential to obtain PIB‐based PUs with improved properties. Static and dynamic mechanical properties were optimized by analyzing stress–strain traces, thermal (TGA, DSC) responses, self‐organization (XRD) profiles, and rheological (DMA, creep) information. According to microstructure and surface analyses (AFM, contact angle) annealing increases the segregation of individual segments and increases surface hydrophobicity, which in turn enhances the shielding of hydrolytically oxidatively vulnerable carbamate bonds by inert PIB barriers, and thus significantly improves hydrolytic‐oxidative stability. Annealing does not much affect bulk properties, such as static and dynamic mechanical and thermal properties; however, it increases damping over a wide temperature range. Annealed PIB‐based PU containing 72.5% PIB exhibits outstanding hydrolytic‐oxidative stability together with ～26 MPa tensile strength, ～500% elongation, and ～77 Microshore hardness. PIB‐based PUs are significantly more resistant to hydrolytic and oxidative degradation than ElastEon? E2A, a commercially available PDMS‐based PU, widely used for medical applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016 , 54, 532–543     

Preparation and properties of imide‐containing elastic polymers from elastic polyureas and pyromellitic dianhydride

A new approach to obtain imide‐containing elastic polymers (IEPs) via elastic and high‐molecular‐weight polyureas, which were prepared from α‐(4‐aminobenzoyl)‐ω‐[(4‐aminobenzoyl)oxy]‐poly(oxytetramethylene) and the conventional diisocyanates such as tolylene‐2,4‐diisocyanate(2,4‐TDI), tolylene‐2,6‐diisocyanate(2,6‐TDI), and 4,4′‐diphenylmethanediisocyanate (MDI), was investigated. IEP solutions were prepared in high yield by the reaction of the polyureas with pyromellitic dianhydride in N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP) at 165°C for 3.7–5.2 h. IEPs were obtained by the thermal treatment at 200°C for 4 h in vacuo after NMP was evaporated from the resulting IEP solutions. We assumed a mechanism of the reaction via N‐acylurea from the identification of imide linkage and amid acid group in IEP solutions. NMR and FTIR analyses confirmed that IEPs were segmented polymers composed of imide hard segment and poly(tetramethylene oxide) (PTMO) soft segment. The dynamic mechanical and thermal analyses indicated that the IEPs prepared from 2,6‐TDI and MDI showed a glass‐transition temperature (T_g ) at about −60°C, corresponding to T_g of PTMO segment, and suggested that microphase‐separation between the imide segment and the PTMO segment occured in them. TGA studies indicated the 10% weight‐loss temperatures (T₁₀) under air for IEPs were in the temperature range of 343–374°C. IEPs prepared from 2,6‐TDI and MDI showed excellent tensile properties and good solvent resistance. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 38: 715–723, 2000