Polymer condensation, adhesives

Condensation polymers, which are also known as step growth polymers, are historically the oldest class of common synthetic polymers. Although superseded in terms of gross output by addition polymers, condensation polymers are still commonly used in a wide variety of applications examples include polyamides (nylons), polycarbonates, polyurethanes, and epoxy adhesives. Figure 1.9 outlines the basic reaction scheme for condensation polymerization. One or more different monomers can be incorporated into a condensation polymer. 

Much attention has been paid to the synthesis of fluorine-containing condensation polymers because of their unique properties (43) and different classes of polymers including polyethers, polyesters, polycarbonates, polyamides, polyurethanes, polyimides, polybenzimidazoles, and epoxy prepolymers containing pendent or backbone-incorporated bis-trifluoromethyl groups have been developed. These polymers exhibit promise as film formers, gas separation membranes, seals, soluble polymers, coatings, adhesives, and in other high temperature applications (103,104). Such polymers show increased solubility, glass-transition temperature, flame resistance, thermal stability, oxidation and environmental stability, decreased color, crystallinity, dielectric constant, and water absorption. 

Quantitative surface and interfacial tension data for polymers are crucial to many aspects of the production and application of elastomers, plastics, textiles, films and coatings, foams, polymer blends, adhesives, and sealants. Although interface is the inclusive term for the region in space where two phases meet, if one of the phases is gaseous it is usually called a surface [1]. Thus we refer here to the surface tension of a polymer in air but to the interfacial tension between a polymer and a condensed phase such as water or another polymer. 

Miscellaneous Applications. Ben2otrifluoride derivatives have been incorporated into polymers for different appHcations. 2,4-Dichloroben2otrifluoride or 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoroben2otrifluoride [651-80-9] have been condensed with bisphenol A [80-05-7] to give ben2otrifluoride aryl ether semipermeable gas membranes (336,337). 3,5-Diaminoben2otrifluoride [368-53-6] and aromatic dianhydrides form polyimide resins for high temperature composites (qv) and adhesives (qv), as well as in the electronics industry (338,339). 

Aromatic Isocyanates. In North America, aromatic isocyanates ate heavily used as monomers for addition and condensation polymers. The principal appflcafions include both flexible and rigid polyurethane foam and nonceUulat appflcations, such as coatings, adhesives, elastomers, and fibers. 

TriaUyl Gyanurate Gure of Preformed Polymers. TAC and TAIC are often used in smaU amounts with vinyl-type and condensation polymers for cured plastics, mbber and adhesive products of high strength, and heat and solvent resistance. In some cases, chemical stabUity is also... 

Cross-linkable rubbery polyesters have been produced but are now no longer produced. Rubbery polyester-amides were introduced by ICI under the trade name Vulcaprene as a leathercloth material but later were used primarily as leather adhesives and as flexible coatings for rubber goods. A typical polymer may be made by condensing ethylene glycol, adipic acid and ethanolamine to a wax with a molecular weight of about 5000. 

Interesting products may also be produced by introducing boron atoms into the chain. The amount of boron used is usualy small (B Si 1 500 to 1 200) but its presence increases the self-adhesive tack of the rubber, which is desirable where hand-building operations are involved. The products may be obtained by condensing dialkylpolysiloxanes end-blocked with silanol groups with boric acid, or by reacting ethoxyl end-blocked polymers with boron triacetate. 

A WBL can also be formed within the silicone phase but near the surface and caused by insufficiently crosslinked adhesive. This may result from an interference of the cure chemistry by species on the surface of substrate. An example where incompatibility between the substrate and the cure system can exist is the moisture cure condensation system. Acetic acid is released during the cure, and for substrates like concrete, the acid may form water-soluble salts at the interface. These salts create a weak boundary layer that will induce failure on exposure to rain. The CDT of polyolefins illustrates the direct effect of surface pretreatment and subsequent formation of a WBL by degradation of the polymer surface [72,73]. 

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