Triblock polyurethane composition

Statistical and block copolymers based on ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide (PO) are important precursors of polyurethanes. Their detailed chemical structure, that is, the chemical composition, block length, and molar mass of the individual blocks may be decisive for the properties of the final product. For triblock copolymers HO (EO) (PO)m(EO) OH, the detailed analysis relates to the determination of the total molar mass and the degrees of polymerization of the inner PPO block (m) and the outer PEO blocks (n). 

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is another well-known molecule used to reduce protein adsorption and/or platelet adhesion. Surface enrichment of a triblock oligomeric PEG containing additive from a polyurethane matrix was reported [54,55]. The authors used PEG as the active groups to suppress protein and platelet adhesion. The authors first synthesized a methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI)-poly (tetramethylene oxide) (PTMO) 1000 prepolymer with a MW of approximately 4750 (PU4750), and then this prepolymer was terminally functionalized with mono amino-polyethylene oxide (PEG) with different MW (PEO550, 2000, or 5000, Table 2.3). This triblock copolymer was mixed with a polyurethane (MDI/ PTMO 1000/ethylene diamine (ED)) at different ratios in dimethylformamide (DMF) and cast into polymer films. The surface compositions of these films were evaluated by XPS. 

Payne and Rader [28] cite three generic classes of TPEs. In the first class they put the block copolymers. These include the styrene-butadiene-styrene triblocks, copolyesters, polyurethanes, and polyamides. The latter result when aromatic diamines are used in the hard segments and aliphatic diamines are used in the soft segments, both in combination with aliphatic dicarboxylic acids. The mechanical properties, processing conditions, and solvent resistance differ for the various copolymers. Within each type, a spectrum of hardness values is obtainable by variation of the size and chemical composition of the segments. 

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