Structural characterization and mass transfer properties of dense segmented polyurethane membrane: Influence of hard segment and soft segment crystal melting temperature

An attempt has been taken to investigate the microstructure and mass transfer properties of polycaprolactone diol M-n = 2000 g mol(-1), PCL 2000)-based dense segmented polyurethane (SPU) membrane as a function of hard segment (HS) content. Structure of SPUs were investigated by Fourier transform infrared analysis, wide angle X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). On the other hand, mass transfer properties were measured by equilibrium sorption, dynamic sorption, and water vapor permeability measurements. From the experimental results, it was observed that with the increasing HS content in SPU the percentage crystallinity decreases, whereas the glassy state storage modulus increases. alpha transition temperature of polyurethane copolymers also increases with increasing HS content. SEM micrograph shows the dense surface structure of SPU films. Mass transfer rate of dense polyurethane membranes decreases with increasing HS content. In contrast, hydrophilic segment and soft segment crystal melting could enhance the mass transfer properties. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 48:233-239, 2008. (c) 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers.