Synthesis and Characterization of Random Block Hydroxyl-Terminated Polyfluoroether-Based Polyurethane Elastomers with...

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Fluorinated polymers offer unique properties for advanced applications.
• Polyurethane elastomers are versatile materials with tunable characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• Synthesize a novel hydroxyl-terminated polyfluoroether, polypentafluoropropane glycidyl ether (PPFEE).
• Prepare and characterize PPFEE-based polyurethane elastomers.
• Investigate the structure-property relationships of these novel elastomers for potential applications.

Main Methods:

• Cationic ring-opening polymerization for PPFEE synthesis.
• Preparation of polyurethane elastomers using PPFEE as soft segments and polyisocyanate as hard segments.
• Characterization using FTIR, NMR, GPC, DSC, uniaxial tensile testing, and TGA.

Main Results:

• PPFEE was successfully synthesized and characterized.
• Mechanical properties, including tensile strength and elongation at break, were evaluated under varying hard segment content (PAPI).
• Optimal performance was observed with 20 wt% PAPI, yielding 2.26 MPa tensile strength and 150% elongation.
• Higher PAPI content (26 wt%) increased tensile strength to 3.04 MPa but reduced elongation to 90%.
• Elastomers exhibited excellent thermal stability with decomposition onset around 371 °C.

Conclusions:

• PPFEE is a viable component for creating high-performance polyurethane elastomers.
• The mechanical properties can be tailored by adjusting the hard segment content.
• These PPFEE-based elastomers demonstrate potential as polymeric binders in future propellant formulations due to their thermal stability and mechanical strength.