Polyurethane elastomers based on molecular weight advanced poly(ethylene ether carbonate) diols. I. Comparison to commercial diols

Abstract

Abstract Poly(ethylene ether carbonate)diols (2025 mol wt) have been made by the molecular weight advancement of lower molecular weight oligomers and have been fabricated into polyurethane elastomers by reaction with 4,4′‐MDI and 1,4‐butanediol using the prepolymer method. Polymer structure has been delineated by carbon‐13 NMR. Comparisons have been made to a series of elastomers based on other polyester and polyether polyols (2000 mol wt) under conditions where the only variable was the soft segment structure. The poly(ethylene ether carbonate) diol gives a polymer with a partially phase mixed morphology, a higher ambient temperature modulus, and a lower Δ H m than the other polyester polyols. This lower Δ H m leads to a significantly lower rubbery plateau modulus than the other polyester polyols. Phase mixing is increased by post‐curing at 150°C. Organic solvent resistance is the most outstanding property. The poly(ethylene ether carbonate) diol produces a polymer with predominantly polyester polyol features.