Synthesis and properties of bio-based thermoplastic poly(ether urethane) for soft actuators

Abstract In this study, bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) for use in soft actuators is poly(ether-urethane) made using fermented corn, along with bio-derived compounds such as propane-1,3-diol (PDO) a chain extender. Bio-based TPUs were obtained through solvent-free one-shot synthesis method, and the effects of varying [NCO]/[OH] molar ratio type isocyanates on chemical structure, thermal stability, mechanical properties investigated. The degree phase separation (DPS) state hard segment (HS) / (SS) TPU are important factors affecting physical prepared film. These depend used polymerization. results showed that, when aromatic isocyanate was used, HS/SS improved increased. average molecular weight DPS well 1-isocyanato-4-[(4-isocyanatophenyl)methyl]benzene (MDI)-based samples all higher than those 1,1’-methylenebis(4-isocyanatocyclohexane) (H 12 MDI)-based spite lower HS content. findings study expected to contribute preparation fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing or 4D shape memory polymer from filaments shore hardness range 59~84A.