Effect of diisocyanates on the structure and properties of UV-curable polyurethane dispersions with nano-scale particles
AbstractA series of anionic polyurethane prepolymers with different molecular structures were synthesized. Different amounts of hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) and toluence diisocyanate (TDI) were employed in the synthesis. When the carboxylic content was 0.3 mmol/g, the colloidal stability of the polyurethane dispersions was rather good and their particle size was nano-scale. Moreover, no acetone or other solvent were used during the process of emulsification. The structures of the polyurethane prepolymers were characterized by Fourier transform Infrared spectrometry with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) and Gel permeation chromatography (GPC). It was found that the mass ratio of HDI to TDI was able to be quantitatively analyzed by means of FTIR-ATR. The molecular weight and distribution did not show a regular trend with the changing of HDI/TDI ratio. The influence of diisocyanate on the particle size and the coating properties was investigated. It seems that hexamethylene diisocyanate was helpful for obtaining nano-scale particles. These polyurethane dispersions could obtain an average particle size less than 100 nm when mass ratio of HDI/TDI was above 0.25. The polyurethane dispersions with nano-scale particle had a transparent appearance with a bluish cast. It is indicated that the hydrophilic efficiency would be improved and the coating hardness decreased if more HDI was employed.