Elastomeric Polyether-Ester Block Copolymers. I. Structure-Property Relationships of Tetramethylene Terephthalate/Polyether Terephthalate Copolymers

The properties of elastomeric tetramethylene terephthalate/polyether terephthalate copolymers have been related to the chemical structure, chain length, and concentration in the copolymers of the PTMEG-, PEG-, and PPG-derived polyether units. Low-temperature properties and tear strength are dependent on all three polyether-related variables. Melting point, hardness, and stress at 100% elongation appear to be independent of polyether structure. Polyether glycols of low MW volatilize during copolymer preparation. High-MW polyethers tend to crystallize when present in the copolymers. Polyether glycols of intermediate MW (∼ 1000) yield copolymers with the best resistance to low-temperature stiffening. Copolymer synthesis is most difficult with PPG as the polyether glycol. Inherent viscosities are low, and phase separation occurs at lower polyether MW than with PTMEG or PEG. The PEG-based copolymers exhibit high water swell, particularly at intermediate and high PEG MW. The PTMEG-based copolymers are easiest to synthesize and exhibit the best overall combination of properties.