Linear Polyurethanes : Synthesis Methods, Chemical Structures, Properties and Applications

This publication is a study based on the author’s own research articles as well as on recent literature on linear polyurethanes. The book provides an insight in essential aspects of the process kinetics of polyaddition and its synthetic consequences. These are of great importance for contemporary applications in linear polyurethanes, such as biomedical materials, elastomers, foams, adhesives and coatings.

This volume describes in detail the mechanisms of the diisocyanates and polyols polyaddition process as well as its kinetic and process aspects important for obtaining linear polyurethanes. General kinetics of the process and its experimental verification, using GPC chromatography as well as NMR spectroscopy and MALDI-ToF spectrometry, are presented. Accompanied by over 400 references, the author presents synthesis methods, physicochemical properties of linear polyurethanes (analyzed with DCS, TG, DMTA, Rtg, AFM microscopy methods) as semiproducts for foams, elastomers, lacquers and coatings. Research results concerning free surface energy of the polyurethane coatings are also presented.Special attention is given to the latest polyurethane applications, such as ecological waterborne dispersions, biodegradation resistant elastomers and coatings used as medical implants and binders for ceramic powder materials.Moreover, the book contains information on urethane-isocyanate prepolymers applications, which are potential semifinished products for elastomers, foams, coatings, adhesives and interpenetrating polymer network composites.