Structure and performance control of high-damping bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) has become the focus of attention in the green and sustainable materials field because of its superior processability and recyclability. In this paper, a series of polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL)-based TPUs were successfully prepared by selecting PLA glycol, PCL glycol, isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and 1,4-butanediol (BDO) through a one-step polymerization method. The properties of the PLA and PCL-based TPUs are comprehensively characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, H-1 NMR spectra, gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, thermalgravimetric analyzer, tensile test, dynamic mechanical analysis, scanning electron microscope, and so forth. The effect of hard segments content and PLA glycol molecular weight on the properties of PLA and PCL-based TPUs was systematically studied. Notably, their performance shows a certain degree of regularity and can be controlled by adjusting the hard segments content or the molecular weight of the PLA glycol. The prepared PLA and PCL-based TPUs have a tensile strength of 24.71 MPa, excellent thermal stability and out-standing damping performance. Its tan delta (max) of 1.40 and an effective damping temperature range of 50 degrees C also make it a green damping material with great potential.

Automated summary

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) based on polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) was successfully prepared and characterized. The properties of the TPU can be controlled by adjusting the hard segments content or the molecular weight of the PLA glycol, showing excellent tensile strength, thermal stability, and damping performance.