Synthesis and hydrolytic stability of model poly(ester urethane ureas)

Abstract

AbstractHydrolysis of poly(ester urethane ureas) (PURUs) is a complex phenomenon which impedes the analysis of the relationships between their composition and hydrolytic stability. Hydrolytic stability of PURUs decreases due to rising (i) polyol acidity, (ii) content of ester groups, (iii) flexibility and (iv) hydrophilicity of the backbones; molar mass of polyols does not seem to have any appreciable effect on it. Negative influence of ether groups (which have better hydrolytic stability than ester groups) is probably linked to the increase in the backbone flexibility and, consequently, to easier access of water molecules to ester groups. Positive effect of aromatic rings in polyols can be ascribed to enhanced rigidity of the backbones as well as to increased hydrolytic stability of adjacent ester groups due to the resonance effect. It can be presumed that the mentioned effects will superpose and simultaneously predestine the resulting hydrolytic resistance. Considering the observed tendencies, it is possible to qualitatively predict the trends how the hydrolytic stability will respond to changes in PURUs composition.