Synthesis and degradation profile of cast films of PPG-DMPA-IPDI aqueous polyurethane dispersions based on selective catalysts

Waterborne polyurethane (WBU) dispersions synthesized from poly(propylene glycol) (PPG), dimethylolpropionic acid (DMPA), and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) with catalysts of different selectivity were prepared via by the conventional prepolymer isocyanate process. Two types of chain extenders were used, ethylene glycol (EG) and propylene glycol (PG), producing polyurethanes. The dispersions were neutralized by the addition of triethylamine. The thermal stability of the materials, obtained as cast films prepared from aqueous dispersions was evaluated by thermogravimetry (TG). It was observed that initial degradation temperatures were above 140 degrees C, with two-step degradation profiles. The use of a more selective catalyst in the formulations led to materials with higher thermal stability. DTG curves exhibited stages not perceptible in the curves of weight loss, which were mainly influenced by the differences in the formulations. Thermal decomposition of the obtained polyurethanes was followed by TG coupled with FTIR spectroscopy. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.