Ultrasound Assisted Synthesis and Characterization of Polyurethane for Coating Applications

Objectives: Exceptional reaction conditions can be generated by ultrasonic irradiation via acoustic cavitation, which allows for the synthesis of new materials with unusual properties. Inspired by the importance of this efficient and environmentally friendly synthetic route, waterborne polyurethane copolymer with pendant carboxylate in the hard segment is prepared. In this current attempt, 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)-propionic acid was used to incorporate ionic groups into polyurethane polymer. Methods/Analysis: Factors affecting the sonochemical polymerization such acoustic power, type of solvent, using of catalyst, and monomers molar ratio were studied. The prepared waterborne polyurethanes were investigated by FTIR and GPC. Furthermore, in the construction of surfaces, the influence of the application of prepared waterborne polyurethane on the interaction of polyester fabrics with methylene blue as cationic dyes was assessed. For that purpose, color strength and fastness tests were carried out to prove the effectiveness of surface modification. Findings: The results indicated that the one-shot sonochemical polymerization by ultrasound at 100 W was more effective in N,Ndimethyl formamide (DMF) than thermally assisted polyurethane polymerization. Novelty/Improvement: The rate of sonochemical polymerization is much faster than thermal polymerization. Improvement in the printability of PET fabrics treated with the prepared polyurethanes.