Enhanced Mechanical and Shape Memory Properties of Poly(propylene glycol)‐Based Star‐Shaped Polyurethane. Issue 13 (9th June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xu, Zhaozan; Cui, Yangli; Li, Tingting; Dang, Haichun; Li, Jianfeng; Cheng, Fangqin
• Is Part Of: Macromolecular chemistry and physics. Volume 221:Issue 13(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-06-09
• Subjects: elastomers -- polyurethane -- shape memory -- star‐shaped structures; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Synthetic products -- Periodicals; Macromolecules -- Periodicals; 547.7
• DOI: 10.1002/macp.202000082
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1022-1352

Abstract

Abstract: A poly(propylene glycol)‐based star‐shaped thermoplastic shape memory polyurethane elastomer (STPU) is synthesized by bulk polymerization with the addition of trifunctional poly‐propylene glycerol (PPG‐3) to improve the mechanical and shape memory properties. The mechanical properties are enhanced significantly with the addition of PPG‐3. The tensile strength of STPU is up to 36.0 MPa, which is almost two times higher than that of linear polyurethane (18.4 MPa). The star‐shaped structure, reduction in microphase separation, and good phase compatibility of STPU are the reasons for the enhancement of mechanical properties. The branching degree of STPU (up to 1.83) is much higher than that of linear polyurethane (0.5). STPU shows higher shape memory fixity ratio (97.2%) at −10 °C and recovery ratio (96.7%) at 40 °C than TPU. Therefore, the design and synthesis of star‐shaped polyurethane is an effective approach for improving the mechanical and shape memory properties of polyurethane elastomer. Abstract : A poly(propylene glycol)‐based star‐shaped thermoplastic shape memory polyurethane elastomer (STPU) is synthesized by bulk polymerization in the presence of trifunctional poly‐propylene glycerol. Compared with linear polyurethane, STPU exhibits better mechanical and shape memory properties. STPU shows high tensile strength (36.0 MPa), high shape memory fixity ratio (97.2%) at −10 °C and recovery ratio (96.7%) at 40 °C.