New Thermally Reversible Polyurethanes

经典的热塑性聚氨酯具有相分离的形态，这导致了在常温下具有高的力学性能。然而，强烈的分子间相互作用也会产生较高的熔体粘度和限制加工灵活性。本研究的目的是通过调查和了解非共价相互作用来区分熔体中与室温相比的物理性质。将研究不同的链结构，以破坏熔体中的缔合，但在冷却时提供非共价相互作用的强结合网络。分子结构的变化将与材料的热、流变和机械性能相关。了解链段兼容性如何影响最终性能可能会对包括涂料、粘合剂和弹性体在内的一系列应用产生广泛影响。

Classic thermoplastic polyurethanes have a phase-separated morphology which results in high mechanical properties at ambient temperature. However, the strong intermolecular interactions also produce high melt viscosity and limit processing flexibility.The aim of the research is to differentiate physical properties in the melt compared to room temperature by investigating and understanding non-covalent interactions. Different chain architectures will be investigated to provide disruption of association in the melt but provide a strongly bound network of non-covalent interactions on cooling. Changes in molecular architecture will be correlated with thermal, rheological and mechanical properties of the materials. An understanding of how segmental compatibility influences final properties could have broad implications across a range of applications including coatings, adhesives and elastomers.