Study on Properties of Poly(urethane-ester) Synthesized from Prepolymers of ε-Caprolactone and 2,2-Dimethyl-1,3-Propanediol Monomers and Their Biodegradability

Poly(urethane-ester) was prepared by polymerization of 4,4′-methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate) (MDI) and prepolymers of ε-caprolactone and 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol monomers P(CL-DP) with various chain lengths as polyol sources. Characterizations of poly(urethane-ester) were carried out by analysis of functional groups (FTIR), thermal properties (DTA/TGA), mechanical properties (Tensile tester), crystallinity (XRD), and biodegradability. The chain length of prepolymers used in polymerization has a significant effect in properties of poly(urethane-ester) as well as their biodegradability. The formation of poly(urethane-ester) was indicated by the presence of new absorption peaks at wave number of 3,348.2 and 1,596.9 cm^?1 for urethane (–NH–) and aromatic groups in chain of polymers, respectively. The increase chain length of prepolymer used in polymerization with 4,4′-methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate) was observed the increase thermal property and crystallinity of poly(urethane-ester). However, the maximum mechanical property and also biodegradability in activated sludge were observed in poly(urethane-ester) prepared by polymerization of 4,4′-methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate) (MDI) and P(CL-DP) prepolymers with DP/CL ratio of 1/20. Apparently, the amorphous parts of polymers are rapidly decomposed by enzymes of microorganisms, so the crystallinity on the whole of poly(urethane-ester) increases after incubation time of 30 days.