Isocyanate-Terminated Poly(ethylene Oxide)

Isocyanate-terminated polyethylene oxide (PEO) was prepared by reaction of hydroxyl-terminated PEO of different molecular weights and toluene diisocyanate (TDI), at a molar ratio of 1:2. Reaction was carried out with and without catalyst (dibutyltin dilaurate). When catalyst was used, some chain extension accompanied the endcapping reaction. When endcapping reaction was carried out without catalyst, chain extension was minimal as determined from endgroup analysis and viscosity measurements. It was also found that secondary reactions of the terminal isocyanate groups led to further increase in solution viscosity after completion of the endcapping reaction.