Preparation and characterization of star polymers with polyurethane cores using polycaprolactone triol

Star-shaped polymers with two different core sizes were prepared by step polymerization. Their structures were confirmed by FTIR and H-1 NMR studies. X-ray diffraction studies showed highly crystallized patterns for this type of star polymer. Thermogravimetric analysis curves displayed an excellent thermal stability and a two-step degradation mechanism for these materials. In addition, it indicated that if the length of the triol segment were longer, the degradation temperature at 10% weight loss would be higher. (C) 2002 Society of Chemical Industry.