Synthesis and characterization of polyurethane urea acrylates: Effects of the hard segments structure

A series of poly(ester‐urethane‐urea) acrylates were synthesized using poly(ethylene adipate) diol (PEA), 4,4′‐diphenyl methane diisocyanate (MDI), different diamines and acrylic acid. On the basis of IR, stress–strain, thermogravimetric, and differential scanning calorimetry measurements of their cured materials, relations between their structure and physical properties were investigated systematically. The properties were compared with a polyurethane acrylate (PUA) elastomer in which the variable was the diamine modification. The mechanical analysis indicated that, when the short chain of diamine was used, the strength and strain at break of the polymer was enhanced. The thermal stability and the glass transition of PUA increased with increased of diamine chain. The crosslinking process depresses crystallization of the soft segments and can be used to obtain protective films and finishing materials for the leather industry.