Mechanically Robust Hybrid POSS Thermoplastic Polyurethanes with Enhanced Surface Hydrophobicity

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Polyurethanes (PUs) are versatile polymers with applications in various fields.
• Enhancing the thermal stability, mechanical performance, and surface properties of PUs is crucial for advanced applications.
• Biodegradable materials are increasingly sought after for biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize novel hybrid thermoplastic polyurethanes (PUs) incorporating bi-functional polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (B-POSS).
• To investigate the structural, morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of the synthesized POSS-PUs.
• To evaluate the potential of these hybrid materials as toughening agents for polyesters in biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of hybrid PUs using B-POSS, polycaprolactone (PCL), and 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI).
• Characterization using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and static contact angle measurements.
• Evaluation of mechanical properties, including storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G'').

Main Results:

• Enhanced thermal stability with a 76 °C higher decomposition temperature (T_d) and a 22 °C higher glass transition temperature (T_g) compared to control PUs.
• Significant increases in surface hydrophobicity (49.8°) and lipophilicity (53.4°).
• Improved storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G''), tunable by POSS content.
• Demonstrated remarkable toughening effect on commercial polyesters.

Conclusions:

• The novel hybrid POSS-PUs exhibit superior thermal stability, mechanical properties, and surface characteristics.
• These biodegradable POSS-PUs serve as effective toughening fillers for polyesters.
• This strategy offers a viable route for developing high-performance polyesters for advanced biomedical applications.