Synthesis of segmented poly(ether urethane)s and poly(ether urethane urea)s incorporating various side-chain or...

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Organic Synthesis

Background:

• High-molecular-weight segmented polyurethanes and poly(ether urethane urea)s are versatile materials.
• Incorporating functional groups allows for tailored material properties and further modifications.
• Controlled synthesis is key to achieving desired polymer architectures and functionalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize novel linear and branched functionalized poly(ether urethane)s and poly(ether urethane urea)s.
• To investigate the incorporation of diverse functional groups into the polymer backbone and side-chains.
• To explore the potential for further modification via pendant functional groups.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of isocyanate pre-polymers using poly(tetramethylene oxide) and 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate.
• Chain extension with various functionalized diols and diamines (e.g., glycerol, fluorinated diols, amino acids).
• Characterization via 1H-NMR, FT-IR, and Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC).
• Structural confirmation using model compound studies.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of linear and branched functionalized poly(ether urethane)s and poly(ether urethane urea)s.
• Demonstrated incorporation of diverse functional groups (e.g., hydroxyl, carboxyl, fluoroalkyl, amino) into polymer structures.
• Confirmed the presence of reactive pendant groups for subsequent functionalization.
• Verified polymer structures and molecular weights through spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques.

Conclusions:

• A versatile synthetic route was established for creating functionalized polyurethanes and poly(ether urethane urea)s.
• The incorporation of various functional groups provides a platform for developing materials with tunable properties.
• The synthesized polymers hold potential for applications requiring specific chemical functionalities and architectures.