Novel AB crosslinked polymer networks based on 1-vinylimidazole-terminated polyurethane and poly(methyl methacrylate)

1-Vinylimidazole-terminated telechelic polyurethanes were prepared from 1-vinylimidazole and bromine-terminated polyurethane. This vinyl-terminated telechelic polyurethane (VTPU) and methyl methacrylate were polymerized in the presence of benzoyl peroxide to prepare novel AB crosslinked polymer networks (ABCPs). These were characterized by spectral, thermal and mechanical studies. The absence of the characteristic peak of vinyl group in infrared spectra of ABCP films confirms the occurrence of crosslinking. Static mechanical testing showed that the tensile strength of ABCP increases with increasing poly(methyl methacrylate) content. Dynamic mechanical studies revealed that ABCPs, at equal compositions of VTPU and methyl methacrylate, show good damping properties. (C) 2006 Society of Chemical Industry.