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Polyurethane-based microparticles: formulation and influence of processes variables on its characteristics
Elisa Campos1, Rosemeyre Cordeiro, Patrícia Alves
1Research Centre for Chemical Processes Engineering and Forest Products (CIEPQPF), Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal. elisajcampos@gmail.com
Journal of Microencapsulation
|April 3, 2008
Summary
Polyurethane microparticles were developed using emulsion polymerization. Stirring speed and type significantly influenced particle size and distribution, with an 80/20 isocyanate/PCL ratio optimal for formation.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Polyurethane microparticles offer versatile applications in various fields.
- Understanding process variables is crucial for controlling microparticle characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop polyurethane-based microparticles via emulsion polymerization.
- To investigate the influence of process variables on microparticle properties.
- To characterize the synthesized microparticles.
Main Methods:
- Emulsion polymerization using poly(caprolactone) diol (PCL) and isocyanates (TDI or TI).
- Attenuated total internal reflection Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) for reaction confirmation.
- Dynamical mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) for thermal properties.
- Optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphology.
- Zeta potential measurements for surface charge.
- Laser diffraction spectroscopy (LDS) for particle size analysis.
Main Results:
- An 80/20 mass ratio of isocyanate to PCL was optimal for microparticle formation.
- SEM confirmed spherical morphology and smooth surfaces.
- Zeta potential indicated ionized carbonyl groups on the surface.
- Stirring speed and type were identified as key variables affecting particle size and distribution.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully developed polyurethane microparticles with controllable characteristics.
- Process parameters, particularly stirring, are critical for tailoring particle size and distribution.
- The findings provide insights for optimizing polyurethane microparticle synthesis for specific applications.
