Temperature sensitive water vapour permeability and shape memory effect of polyurethane with crystalline reversible phase and hydrophilic segments

Polyurethanes based on poly(caprolactone) (PCL) diol, hexamethylene diisocyanate, 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate and hexamethylene diamine were modified by hydrophilic segments, diol‐terminated poly(ethylene oxide) or dimethylol propionic acid (DMPA). Differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical tests, tensile tests, and measurement of water vapour permeability were carried out to characterize these polyurethanes. Temperature sensitive water vapour permeability, that is, the abrupt increase of water vapour permeability at the melting temperature of the PCL phase, was enhanced by modification with hydrophilic segments. Fatigue in shape memory effects was minimized by introducing some amount of DMPA units into the polyurethane chain. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis and physical properties of H12MDI-based polyurethane resins

This paper described the synthesis of four types of polyurethanes by using diisocyanato dicyclohexylmethane (H₁₂MDI) as the hard segment and poly hexamethylene carbonate diol, polybutylene adipate diol, poly(hexamethylene diol/neopentyl glycol)-based copolyester diol, or poly hexamethylene diol/hexamethylene carbonate)-based copolyester/carbonate diol as the corresponding soft segment. The spectral analysis, thermal studies (differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis), tensile strength-elongation relationship, and water vapor permeability of these samples were investigated. The results of these studies showed that the phase separation extent of the four types of polyurethanes displayed the following order: ESBA (polybutylene adipate-based polyurethane) > ECHH (co-polyester / carbonate-based polyurethane) > ESHN (copolyester diol-based polyurethane) > CAHC (polyhexamethylene carbonate-based polyurethane). The water vapor permeability of the cast films increased with the increase of the phase separation extent, in which the polyester-based polyurethane (sample ESBA) displayed the highest water vapor permeability. In terms of tensile strength-elongation property, the polycarbonate diol based polyurethane displayed higher tensile strength but lower elongation than polyester-based polyurethanes.     

Synthesis of shape memory polyurethane/clay nanocomposites and analysis of shape memory,thermal, and mechanical properties

In this study, shape memory polyurethane/clay nanocomposites were synthesized by using two‐step in situ polymerization. The effects of nanoparticle content on mechanical, thermal, and shape memory properties were studied. Soft and hard segments of polyurethanes were based on polycaprolactone (PCL) diol and 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate/1,4‐butanediol molar ratio with 70/30, respectively. The differential scanning calorimetry, tensile test, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, parallel plate rheometer, and X‐ray diffraction were used to evaluate the properties of the nanocomposites. To evaluate shape memory properties, a tensile device equipped with a thermal chamber was used. Glass transition temperature of soft segments has been increased by nanoclay loading. Addition of nanoclay to polyurethane matrix caused to disrupt ordering in hard domains, decrease in elongation and tensile strength. The results show that crystallinity of soft segments and dispersion of nanoparticles affect on the mechanical properties and shape memory behavior of nanocomposites, distinctly. Nanocomposite containing 1 wt% shows the best shape memory properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Catalyst free synthesis of poly(l‐lactic acid)–poly(propylene glycol) multiblock copolymers and their properties

A simple, green, and economical method for the synthesis of poly(l ‐lactic acid)–poly(propylene glycol) (PLLA–PPG) copolymers is put forward and a series of multiblock PLLA–PPG are synthesized with 1,6‐hexamethylene diisocyanate as chain extender of the melt polymerization. The effect of PPG content on the properties of PLLA–PPG copolymers is also investigated. The elongation at break of the resulting copolymer film with only 5% weight content PPG is 280%, and the tensile strength is 20 MPa. Dynamic mechanical analysis results demonstrated the existence of the shape memory effect for all the copolymers films and the shape recovery ratio of 101% is achieved for PLLA–PPG copolymer film with 5% weight PPG. The process for the synthesis of PLLA–PPG copolymers in the total absence of potentially toxic solvents and catalysts is analyzed, and the films of PLLA–PPG exhibit toughness and shape memory effect. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45299.     

Tunable degradation of piperazine‐based polyurethane ureas

To manipulate the degradation of polymeric biomaterial for potential applications in tissue regeneration, a series of piperazine‐based polyurethane ureas (P‐PUUs) were designed and prepared with poly(d,l ‐lactic acid) diol (PDLLA diol), 1,6‐hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), and piperazine (PP). The number of piperazine units [Num(pp)] in the P‐PUUs could be precisely calculated by a specified equation and could be controlled by the regulation of the PDLLA diol/HDI/PP ratio. Then, the in vitro degradation of the P‐PUUs was investigated by the detection of the variation of the pH value, the weight loss ratio, the surface morphologies, and the molecular weight loss over 12 weeks. The results reveal that the degradation stability and the degradation rate of the P‐PUUs could be manipulated by Num(pp), and a linear correlation between the degradation rate of the P‐PUUs and Num(pp) in the polymer was demonstrated; this implied the tunable degradation of the P‐PUUs. Such a linear correlation is expected to benefit to tissue regeneration as the degradation rate of P‐PUUs for specific tissue defects can be well tuned once the tissue regenerative period is known. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40527. This article is part of a Special Issue on Bioactive Surface Functionalization. The remaining articles appear in J. Appl. Polym. Sci. (2014) volume 131, issue 14 . This note was added on 14th July 2014.     

Synthesis and characterization of biocompatible polyurethanes for controlled release of hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs

Design of biocompatible and biodegradable polymer systems for sustained and controlled release of bioactive agents is critical for numerous biomedical applications. Here, we designed, synthesized, and characterized four polyurethane carrier systems for controlled release of model drugs. These polyurethanes are biocompatible and biodegradable because they consist of biocompatible poly(ethylene glycol) or poly(caprolactone diol) as soft segment, linear aliphatic hexamethylene diisocyanate or symmetrical aliphatic cyclic dicyclohexylmethane-4,4′-diisocyanate as hard segment, and biodegradable urethane linkage. They were characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscope, and differential scanning calorimetry, whereas their degradation behaviors were investigated in both phosphate buffered saline and enzymatic solutions. By tuning polyurethane segments, different release profiles of hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs were obtained in the absence and presence of enzymes. Such difference in release profiles was attributed to a complex interplay among structure, hydrophobicity, and degradability of polyurethanes, the size and hydrophobicity of drugs, and drug-polymer interactions. Different drug-polyurethane combinations modulated the distribution and location of the drugs in polymer matrix, thus inducing different drug release mechanisms. Our results highlight an important role of segmental structure of the polyurethane as an engineering tool to control drug release.     

双重激发聚氨酯形状记忆泡沫制备与性能研究

以聚乙二醇、聚丙交酯-co-己内酯二醇(PCLA)、液化MDI和水为主要原料,制备了具有可双重激发形状记忆性能的聚氨酯泡沫.通过红外光谱、差示扫描量热、形状记忆、质量损失率和拉伸强度测试,研究了形状记忆聚氨酯泡沫(SMP F)的组成、结晶、形状记忆和在水溶液中的降解性能.结果表明:SMP F结晶熔融温度为41～45℃,...     

Colorless,transparent, and shape memory polyurethane networks with high strength and recyclability

The traditional thermoset polyurethanes (PUs) can be recycled through the dynamic carbamate bonds under specific conditions. However, there is limited research on the structural evolution and property changes of these PUs before and after recycling. Herein, we designed and fabricated a thermoset polyurethane network (PCU) using polyhexamethylene carbonate diol (PHMC-diol) as soft segments, and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and glycerol (GLY) as hard segments. Through careful formulation design, the PCU demonstrated colorless transparency (with up to 86% transmission), shape memory properties, and reprocessing capabilities, all achieved without introducing other dynamic covalent bonds. Furthermore, the PCU exhibited excellent mechanical properties, boasting a tensile strength of 59.2 ± 3.7 MPa and the elongation at break of 674.8 ± 37.3%. Of particular interest, the PCU samples displayed solid-state plasticity and impressive shape memory performance, with shape fixity and recovery ratios exceeding 90%. Leveraging the combination of solid-state plasticity and shape memory, the PCU samples demonstrated the ability to achieve arbitrary shape manipulations. Upon recycling, it was observed that the cross-linking density of the PCU samples decreased, resulting in the formation of byproducts and subsequently leading to a reduction in tensile strength. Nonetheless, the PCU samples prepared in this study exhibit potential as thermadapt shape memory and recyclable materials.     

Shape‐memory behaviors of biodegradable poly(L‐lactide‐co‐ϵ‐caprolactone) copolymers

A series of biodegradable poly(L ‐lactide‐co‐?‐caprolactone) (PCLA) copolymers with different chemical compositions are synthesized and characterized. The mechanical properties and shape‐memory behaviors of PCLA copolymers are studied. The mechanical properties are significantly affected by the copolymer compositions. With the ?‐caprolactone (?‐CL) content increasing, the tensile strength of copolymers decreases linearly and the elongation at break increases gradually. By means of adjusting the compositions, the copolymers exhibit excellent shape‐memory effects with shape‐recovery and shape‐retention rate exceeding 95%. The effects of composition, deformation strain, and the stretching conditions on the recovery stress are also investigated systematically. A maximum recovery stress around 6.2 MPa can be obtained at stretching at T_g ? 15°C to 200% deformation strain for the PCLA70 copolymer. The degradation results show that the copolymers with higher ?‐CL content have faster degradation rates and shape‐recovery rates, meanwhile, the recovery stress can maintain a relative high value after 30 days in vitro degradation. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Influence of Graphene Oxide on Thermally Induced Shape Memory Behavior of PLA/TPU Blends: Correlation with Morphology,Creep Behavior,Crystallinity, and Dynamic Mechanical Properties

In this study, shape memory is thermally induced in a series of graphene oxide (GO) filled poly(lactic acid)/thermoplastic polyurethane (PLA/TPU) blends, prepared via melt mixing process, and their shape recovery and shape fixity are measured, and the results are correlated with morphology, dynamic mechanical properties, crystallinity and creep recovery behavior. Morphological analysis by scanning and transmission electron microscopy reveals that the blends are immiscible, and GO platelets are mainly localized in the TPU phase of the blends, which lead to smaller and more elongated TPU droplets with improved interfacial adhesion being responsible for the improved shape recovery performance compared to the unfilled blend. A systematic enhancement found in storage and Young's modulus, tensile strength, creep resistance and creep recovery, and cold crystallinity as a result of GO inclusion are in agreement with the improved shape recovery, shape fixity and overall shape memory performance of the filled systems. The developed PLA/TPU/GO nanocomposites with highly improved mechanical properties can be utilized as a new class of environmentally friendly shape memory materials for a broad range of applications.     

Nanoclay-tethered shape memory polyurethane nanocomposites

The study investigated shape memory properties of nanoclay-tethered polyurethane nanocomposites. Polyurethanes based on polycaprolactone (PCL) diol, methylene diisocyanate, and butane diol and their nanocomposites of reactive nanoclay were prepared by bulk polymerization in an internal mixer and the values of shape fixity and shape recovery stress were determined as function of clay content. The melting point of the crystalline soft segment was used as the transition temperature to actuate the shape memory actions. It was seen that clay particles exfoliated well in the polymer, decreased the crystallinity of the soft segment phase, and promoted phase mixing between the hard and soft segment phases. Nevertheless, the soft segment crystallinity was enough and in some cases increased due to stretching to exhibit excellent shape fixity and shape recovery ratio. A 20% increase in the magnitude of shape recovery stress was obtained with the addition of 1 wt% nanoclay. The room temperature tensile properties were seen to depend on the competing influence of reduced soft segment crystallinity and the clay content. However, the tensile modulus measured at temperatures above the melting point of the soft segment crystals showed continued increases with clay content.     

Composites of carbon nanofibers and thermoplastic polyurethanes with shape‐memory properties prepared by chaotic mixing

Composites of carbon nanofibers (CNFs), oxidized carbon nanofibers (ox‐CNFs), and shape‐memory thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) were prepared in a chaotic mixer and their shape‐memory properties evaluated. The polymer was synthesized from 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate, 1,4‐butanediol chain extender, and semicrystalline poly(ε‐caprolactone) diol soft segments. The shape‐memory action was triggered by both conductive and resistive heating. It was found that soft segment crystallinity and mechanical reinforcement by nanofibers produced competing effects on shape‐memory properties. A large reduction in soft segment crystallinity in the presence of CNF and stronger mechanical reinforcement by well‐dispersed ox‐CNF determined the shape‐memory properties of the respective composites. It was found that the maximum shape recovery force, respectively, 3 and 4 MPa, was obtained in the cases of 5 and 1 wt% CNF and ox‐CNF, respectively, compared with ～1.8 MPa for unfilled TPU. The degree of soft segment and hard segment phase separation and thermal stability of the composites were analyzed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers.     

基于磺酸基/羧基高固含量聚氨酯分散体膜性能的研究

以磺酸盐聚醚二元醇(SPPG)和二羟甲基丙酸(DMPA)作为亲水单体,以聚己二酸己二醇新戊二醇酯(PHNA)、异佛尔酮二异氰酸酯(IPDI)、六亚甲基二异氰酸酯(HDI)、哌嗪为原料,采用丙酮法合成了固含量(固体质量分数,以下同)50%左右的聚氨酯分散体(PUD)。研究表明,PUD平均粒径在100～250 nm,黏度均在650mPa.s以下,PUD胶膜的断裂伸长率最高可达2 400%,拉伸强度最大为15 MPa;动态力学分析表明,胶膜的玻璃化温度在-50～-35℃,随n(—NCO)/n(—OH)增加,PUD胶膜的玻璃化转变温度升高;热重分析显示,PUD胶膜在280℃开始分解,PUD胶膜的吸水率在3%～7%。     

Effect of the diisocyanate structure and the molecular weight of diols on bio‐based polyurethanes

Bio‐based polyurethanes (PU) containing poly(ε‐caprolactone) diol (PCL) and hydroxyl telechelic natural rubber (HTNR) were synthesized. The effect of the diisocyanate structure and the molecular weights of diols on the mechanical properties of PU were investigated. Three different molecular structures of diisocyanate were employed: an aliphatic diisocyanate (hexamethylene diisocyanate, HDI), an aromatic diisocyanate (toluene‐2,4‐diisocyanate, TDI) and a cycloalkane diisocyanate (isophorone diisocyanate, IPDI). Two molecular weights of each diol were selected. When HDI was employed, a crystalline PU was generated while asymmetrical structures of TDI and IPDI provided an amorphous PU. The presence of crystalline domains was responsible of a change in tensile behavior and physical properties. PU containing TDI and IPDI showed a rubber‐like behavior: low Young's modulus and high elongation at break. The crystalline domains in PU containing HDI acted as physical crosslinks, enhancing the Young's modulus and reducing the elongation at break, and they are responsible of the plastic yielding. The crystallinity increased the tear strength, the hardness and the thermal stability of PU. There was no significant difference between the TDI and IPDI on the mechanical properties and the physical characteristics. Higher molecular weight of PCL diol changed tensile behavior from the rubber‐like materials to the plastic yielding. Thermal and dynamic mechanical properties were determined by using DSC, TGA and DMTA. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Synthesis and properties of waterborne poly(urethane urea)s containing polydimethylsiloxane

To obtain flexible waterborne poly(urethane urea) (WBPU) coatings with functionalities such as shape recovery and water resistance, we synthesized a series of WBPUs by a prepolymer mixing process from hexamethylene diisocyanate, polyol, 2,2‐bis(hydroxymethyl) propionic acid, ethylenediamine, and triethylamine with polyol blends [hydroxyl‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with a number‐average molecular weight of ≈ 550 and poly(tetramethylene oxide) glycol (PTMG) with a number‐average molecular weight of 650] of different molar ratios. The effects of the PDMS content in PDMS/PTMG on the dynamic thermal and mechanical properties, hardness, tensile properties, water resistance (water absorption, contact angle, and surface energy), and shape‐memory properties of WBPU films were investigated. As the molar percentage of PDMS in WBPUs increased, the storage modulus, tensile strength and modulus, elongation at break, hardness, and shape‐retention rate (30–15%) decreased; however, the water resistance and shape‐recovery rate (80–90%) increased. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Synthesis and characterization of waterborne polyurethane adhesive from MDI and HDI

A series of waterborne polyurethane adhesives (WPUAs) were prepared from diphenylmethane‐4,4′‐diisocyanate (MDI), 1,6‐hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), poly(1,4‐butanediol adipate) diol (PBA), 1,4‐butanediol (BDO), and internal‐emulsifying agents by the prepolymer mixing method. The viscosity, mechanical properties, thermal properties, and adhesion strength of the samples were measured. The structure–property relationship was discussed primarily. The results indicated that the MDI/HDI and PBA/BDO molar ratio influenced these properties. The WPUA exhibited excellent T‐peel strength and mechanical properties at a suitable MDI/HDI (or PBA/BDO) molar ratio. Moreover, higher MDI/HDI (or PBA/BDO) molar ratio resulted in higher thermal stability. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Biodegradable polyurethane based on random copolymer of L‐lactide and ϵ‐caprolactone and its shape‐memory property

A series of biodegradable polyurethanes (PUs) are synthesized from the copolymer diols prepared from L ‐lactide and ε‐caprolactone (CL), 2,4‐toluene diisocyanate, and 1,4‐butanediol. Their thermal and mechanical properties are characterized via FTIR, DSC, and tensile tests. Their T_gs are in the range of 28–53°C. They have high modulus, tensile strength, and elongation ratio at break. With increasing CL content, the PU changes from semicrystalline to completely amorphous. Thermal mechanical analysis is used to determine their shape‐memory property. When they are deformed and fixed at proper temperatures, their shape‐recovery is almost complete for a tensile elongation of 150% or a compression of 2‐folds. By changing the content of CL and the hard‐to‐soft ratio, their T_gs and their shape‐recovery temperature can be adjusted. Therefore, they may find wide applications. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 4182–4187, 2007     

Cycloaliphatic polyester based high solids polyurethane coatings: I. The effect of difunctional alcohols

High-solids polyesters were synthesized with two cycloaliphatic diacids, 1,4- cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid (1,4-CHDA) and 1,3-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid (1,3-CHDA); and with five diols, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM), neopentyl glycol (NPG), hydroxypivalyl hydroxypivalate (HPHP), 2-butyl-2-ethyl-1, 3-propanediol (BEPD), and 1,6-hexanediol (HD). The viscosity of the polyesters was dependent on the structures of diols. The viscosity of polyesters is lower with the diol HD, intermediate with BEPD and HPHP, and higher with the diols CHDM and NPG. The polyesters were crosslinked with hexamethylene diisocyanate isocyanurate (HDI isocyanurate) affording polyurethane coatings. The mechanical properties, tensile properties, fracture toughness, and viscoelastic properties were investigated for the polyurethane films with five different diols. The cyclohexyl structure of the CHDM provides the polyurethane with rigidity which is manifested in high tensile modulus, hardness, and fracture toughness. In contrast, the linear diol, 1,6-hexanediol provides polyurethane with very high flexibility, but these coatings suffer with respect to low hardness and tensile modulus. Polymers and Coatings Department, Fargo, ND 58105. 3401 Grays Ferry Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19146.     

Design and development of graphene oxide/shape memory nanocomposite based on hexamethylene diisocyanate mixing segment

Shape memory polymers are remarkable materials renowned for their distinctive ability to fix and recover their original shape in response to specific stimuli. However, the lower shape fixity (SF) of conventional thermally triggered shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) has limited its broad application potential. This study investigates the transformative influence of graphene oxide (GO) nanofillers when incorporated into a linear diisocyanate-based mixing segment SMPU (SMPU-GO). The lower SF issue of SMPU is ingeniously addressed by leveraging the interactive properties of GO with the 4,4′-methylene bis-phenyl diisocyanate hard segment and the introduction of additional physical cross-links via hexamethylene diisocyanate mixing segment. At 1 wt.% GO incorporation, the modulus increased by 178%, an 8% increase in tensile strength, while the elasticity was maintained. Excellent improvement in SF and shape recovery (SR) was attained at 1 wt.% GO incorporated SMPU, and the SMPU nanocomposite showed the highest SF (65%) and SR (100%) at 70°C temperature and 50% strain.     

Aqueous dispersion of polyurethane anionomers from H12MDI/IPDI,PCL, BD,and DMPA

Polyurethane anionomer dispersions were prepared from hydrogenated diphenylmethane diisocyanate (H₁₂MDI) or isophorone diisocyanate (JPDI), poly(caprolactone) (PCL) diol, 1,4-butane diol (BD), and dimethylolpropionic acid (DMPA). Upon neutralization of the DMPA with triethylamine (TEA), the NCO-terminated polyurethane (PU) ionomers were self-emulsified by adding water, followed by chain extension using triethylenetetramine (TETA) in aqueous media. Polyurethanes from H₁₂MDI showed coarser dispersion and better tensile properties over those from IPDI. Polyurethanes prepared by the one-shot method had better dispersion and tensile properties over those by the two-shot method. When some of the PCL diol was replaced by DMPA or BD, tensile strength increased and ductility decreased due mainly to the increased chain rigidity and intermolecular forces. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.