Stoichiometric-architectural impact on thermo-mechanical and morphological behavior of segmented Polyurethane elastomers

The pliability of polymers is contingent on its architecture, decided by its stoichiometry, which is also an expedient way to ensure the anticipated characteristics in polymers. Four series of linear polyurethane elastomers, each comprised of seven samples are synthesized using hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene as macrodiol, toluene diisocyanate and four different chain extenders: 1, 2 Ethane diol; 1, 4 Butane diol; 1, 6 Hexane diol and 1, 8 Octane diol. The functional linkages for the development of polymers have been confirmed via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Hydrogen bonding index calculated from vibrational modes of C = O group are obtained in the range of 1.08–1.394. The thermal stability is observed up to 290 °C by thermal gravimetric analysis. Swelling behavior showed 50% of industrial waste water uptake. The true tensile strength is observed up to 8.48 MPa with 1,4 butane diol as chain extender. The secant modulus at 1% strain rate is found in the range of 0.30 to 12 MPA. The maximum value of toughness is observed as 3.26 J-mm⁻² for 1,4 butane diol chain extender. Scanning electron microscopic analysis has revealed morphological phase segmentation based on composition.