Organosilicon-modified double crosslinked waterborne polyurethane coatings

Abstract

Conventional waterborne polyurethanes (WPUs) have limited their application as high-performance coatings due to low mechanical strength and poor solvent resistance. Organosilicon modification is important to improve the solvent and chemical resistance of WPUs. Herein, we prepared a double crosslinked WPUs with excellent performance using isophorone diisocyanate and polytetrahydrofuran as raw materials, and trihydroxy polyoxypropylene ether, pentaerythritol, and dihydroxy silicone oil as functional monomers. The solvent resistance and the mechanical properties of the coatings had improved after crosslinking of WPUs (tensile strength of 7.39 MPa, elongation at break of 1178 %). Furthermore, the coatings with excellent hydrophobicity (water contact angle of 94.5°). Meanwhile, medical gloves with organosilicon-modified WPUs showed excellent water, alcohol and salt immersion resistance. Based on the excellent comprehensive performance of organosilicon-modified WPUs, it is expected to be used as a surface coating in medical gloves.