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Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Synthesis of Programmable Main-chain Liquid-crystalline Elastomers Using a Two-stage Thiol-acrylate Reaction
Published on: January 19, 2016
Use of combinatorial chemistry to develop photocurable thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPUs)
Jaume Heras1, José L Falcó, Salvador Borrós
1Grup d'Enginyeria Molecular, Institut Químic de Sarrià, Universitat Ramon Llull, Via Augusta 390, E-08017 Barcelona, Spain.
Abstract:
Combinatorial chemistry was used to develop photocurable thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers through the incorporation of photoreactive diacetylene diols as chain extenders. The methodology applied allowed, in 36 experiments, the choice of the best compromise between mechanical properties and lack of colour. The combinations chosen were scaled up and their properties were evaluated in terms of mechanical properties. The combinatorial approach reduced the estimated time tenfold in developing such type of materials.
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