Synthesis and characterization of segmented polyurethanes based on amphiphilic polyether diols

Segmented polyurethanes (SPUs) based on polyethylene glycol (PEG), polypropylene glycol (PPG) and a series of Pluronics with different ethylene oxide/propylene oxide ratios (EO/PO) and molecular weights were prepared. Different diisocyanates were used for making SPUs: 4,4-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), 4,4-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate (MDCI), hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI) and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI). 1,4-Butane diol (BD) and ethylene diamine (ED) were used as chain extenders. The polymers obtained were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The microphase morphology (phase separation and phase mixing) is discussed in more detail. (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Limited.