Hard segment polymer properties

Yoshino M, Ito K, Kita H et al (2000) Effects of hard-segment polymers on C02/N2 gas-separation properties of polyethylene oxide)-segmented copolymers. J Polym Sci Part B Polym Phys 38(13) 1707-1715... 

Table VI contains the general properties for 50-60% HARD SEGMENT polymers. This table contains polymers which have been developed in the past such as the Polyurethanes in the 55 to 65 Shore D hardness (Fascia materials), as well as Poly(urea-urethanes) which are more recent developments. This hard segment range also covers 65 to 75D intermediate modulus materials which are in reality toughened plastics. The raw materials prices are for comparison purposes.

M. Yoshino, K. Ito, H. Kita, K-1. Okamoto, Effect of hard-segment polymers on CO2/N2 gas separation properties of poly(ethylene oxide)-segmented copolymers, J. Polym. Sci. Part B Polym. Phys., 38, 1707-1715 (2000). 

Yang, J. H., Chun, B. C., Chung, Y.-C., Cho, J. H. (2003), Comparison of thermal/ mechanical properties and shape memory effect of polyurethane block-copolymers with planar or bent shape of hard segment. Polymer, 44, 3251-8. 

Improved polyurethane can he produced hy copolymerization. Block copolymers of polyurethanes connected with segments of isobutylenes exhibit high-temperature properties, hydrolytic stability, and barrier characteristics. The hard segments of polyurethane block polymers consist of 4RNHCOO)-n, where R usually contains an aromatic moiety. 

It is important to be aware of the chemical effects of isocyanates. The polynre-thanes you will develop will be combinations of polyols and isocyanates. The ratio of the two compounds will in pait dictate both the physical and chemical properties of the product. As a general rule, the isocyanates are hard segments that impart rigidity to the polymer. The polyol is the so-called soft segment. The various molecular weights (more correctly equivalent weights available in the form of polymeric MDIs) provide certain advantages. Table 2.2 lists a few commercially available polyisocyanates and their physical properties. 

Using controlled reaction conditions such as the temperature profile and rate and time of the addition of polyols, more uniform materials can be produced. The correct spacing of the hard segments required to produce the physical properties can be obtained. The controlled conditions will also help prevent the formation of undesirable side products such as allophanate, biuret, and trimers. These reactions will give branching of the polymer chains. 

Several types of diisocyanates (aromatic, aliphatic, cyclo aliphatic) and many different glycol-chain extenders (open-chain aliphatic, cyclo aliphatic, aromatic aliphatic) can be used to produce TPU-elastomer hard segments. In the more conventional and practical formulations only a single diisocyanate component is used to make a TPU, so the diisocyanate is common to both the hard and soft segments. The polymer chemist makes his diisocyanate and glycol-chain-extender component selections based on such considerations as desired TPU mechanical properties, upper service temperature, environmental resistance, solubility characteristics, and economics. 

Hard- and Soft-Segment Polymers. The structure of the diisocyanate component has a significant influence on dynamic mechanical properties of both hard- and soft-segment polymers. Both 2,4- and 2,6-TDI/ BD a relaxations occur at about the same temperature and have a comparable activation energy. However, the symmetrical structure of... 

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