Anionic waterborne polyurethane dispersions based on hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene and poly(propylene glycol): Synthesis and characterization

Abstract

Nonpolluting systems based on anionic polyurethane aqueous dispersions were obtained. The prepolymer based on hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), poly(propylene glycol) (PPG), and dimethylolpropionic acid (DMPA) were synthesized in bulk. After neutralization with triethylamine (TEA), the anionomer prepolymer was dispersed in water, followed by a chain-extension reaction with ethylenediamine (EDA). The prepolymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and the average particle size of the aqueous dispersions was determined by laser light scattering (LLS). The mechanical behavior of polyurethane-cast films and the adhesive properties of the aqueous dispersions as coatings for wood were evaluated. It was observed that an increase in the HTPB content provoked an increase in the viscosity and in the particle size of the dispersions. The tensile strength and the modulus values of the films and the adhesiveness of the coatings in wood were also increased by increasing the HTPB content. On the other hand, the elongation of the polyurethane-cast films and the tackness of the surface coatings decreased as the HTPB was increased. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 566–572, 2001