SAXS analysis of a linear polyester and a linear polyether urethane—interfacial thickness determination

Abstract

AbstractA small‐angle x‐ray scattering (SAXS) investigation of two linear segmented polyurethanes was carried out to learn about the respective domain structure (morphology). Both urethanes had a hard segment of methylene‐bis(4)phenyl isocyanate (MDI) and butanediol. These two components comprised 28% by weight of each system. The soft segments differed in that one was a polyether (tetramethylene oxide, molecular weight 1000), while the other was a polyester (polytetramethylene adipate, molecular weight 1000). Both of these segmented urethanes were stored at room temperature for over 6 months prior to investigation. Using an automated Kratky camera, SAXS scans were made. By detailed analysis (using the computer program of Vonk) the average interfacial thickness E of the domains was determined by two approaches. The value of E for the polyester was 10–12 Å, while it was 5–7 Å for the polyether. Within the limits of the assumptions used for analysis, these data directly support the conjecture that polyether urethanes generally lead to better phase separation. Other aspects of the analysis provided further information on the morphological structure. Some cautionary comments are provided on the use of quantitative SAXS data obtained from these or similar systems.