Thermal Behavior and Morphology of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Derived from Different Chain Extenders of 1,3- and 1,4-Butanediol

In this study, when deriving thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), the researchers replaced 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BDO) with 1,3-butanediol (1,3-BDO) as a chain extender and examined how structure of affected final polymers. Regarding raw materials for polymerization, three types commercial polyols same molecular weight (Mn = 1000 g/mol), namely, poly (butyl acrylate) (PBA), (tetramethylene ether) glycol (PTMG), polycarbonate diol (PCDL) were used. These used in conjunction butanediol 4,4’-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate. Three groups TPUs successfully synthesized using one-shot solvent-free bulk polymerization. Compared polymerized 1,4-BDO, 1,3-BDO are more transparent viscous. Structural analysis revealed that no substantial differences between structures present different extenders Thermal indicated compared glass transition temperature those was 15 °C higher. Examination microphase separation by morphological PBA, PTMG relatively separated. PCDL exhibited difference. Rheological either 1,4-BDO or did not exhibit any obvious differences. conclusion, thermal plasticity at room (15–20 °C). Their basic application could be extended to development smart materials. terms further application, they shape memory temperature-sensitive high