Based on previous work, where it was shown that 4‐urazoylbenzoic acid (U4A) groups, which are attached statistically to polybutadiene, form ordered supramolecular arrays in the unpolar polymer matrix, the present work describes the synthesis of a new molecular building block capable of self‐assembling in the unpolar polymer matrix. 5‐Urazoylisophthalic acid (U35A) groups attached to 1,4‐polybutadiene chains cause the formation of a thermoplastic elastomer of improved properties. The clusters of functional groups show an endothermic transition. The melting temperature increases for low levels of modification from 130°C up to 190°C. The mechanical properties (stress–strain and dynamic mechanical) reveal excellent rubbery characteristics and a rubbery plateau which is considerably flatter than those of technical grade thermoplastic elastomers. The IR data indicate that the U35A groups are tetrafunctional with respect to supramolecular self‐assembling. Based on detailed knowledge of the structure of the self‐assembled domains in U4A groups, a model is developed which describes the observed material properties qualitatively.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Hellmann et al. (1994) studied this question.