Synthesis and characterization of novel thermoplastic poly(oligophosphazene‐urethane)s

BACKGROUND: Polyurethanes are some of the most popular polymers used in a variety of products, such as coatings, adhesives, flexible and rigid foams, elastomers, etc. Despite the possibility of tailoring their properties, polyurethanes suffer a serious disadvantage of poor thermal stability. Many attempts have been made in order to improve the thermal stability of polyurethanes. RESULTS: A new hydroxyl‐terminated oligomer containing sulfone groups, 2,2‐bis(4‐hydroxy‐4,4‐sulfonyldiphoneloxy)tetraphenoxyoligocyclotriphosphazene (HSPPZ), was synthesized. HSPPZ was characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), NMR and gel permeation chromatography analyses. A series of novel thermoplastic poly(oligophosphazene‐urethane)s were then synthesized via the reaction of NCO‐terminated polyurethane prepolymer with HSPPZ containing chain‐extender diols. Their structure and properties were investigated using FTIR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray diffraction, water contact angle measurement and tensile measurements. CONCLUSION: Compared to conventional thermoplastic polyurethanes, poly(oligophosphazene‐urethane)s exhibit better thermal stability, low‐temperature resistance and hydrophobicity, but their mechanical properties are slightly poorer.