Characterization of Simultaneous Interpenetrating Polymer Networks from MethylMethacrylate and Castor Oil

Abstract

Abstract The synthesis and characterization of simultaneous interpenetrating polymer networks (SINs) based on methyl methacrylate and castor oil are reported. A mixture of 50/50 in weight of HDI/N-100 was employed for the polymerization and crosslinking of the polyurethane phase. The SINs over the whole composition range have only one single glass transition temperature T g, as determined by TMA (thermomechanical analysis) which suggests a single phase morphology even though the linear chain blends are completely immiscible. This is also supported by scanning electron microscopy observations. The SINs exhibit a higher heat resistance than pure PMMA but lower than N-100. They also exhibit a maximum tensile strength and impact strength at a composition of PU around 30%. This synergistic effect resulted from a strong entanglement between two networks as well as chain transfer phenomenon.