New Thermally Reversible Polyurethanes

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.