The Effect of Improved Crosslink Density on the Properties of Waterborne Polyurethanes Using Sol-Gel Process

摘要

Water-based systems are dominating the coating market because of worldwide VOCs regulations. Research is focusing especially on waterborne polyurethane (WPU) because of its unique mechanical and chemical properties. However, commercial WPU consists of linear thermoplastic polymers with polar groups on the main chain, which do not perform as well as solvent-borne PU in a two-pack system. In this study, APTES were used as a chain crosslink agent to overcome commercial WPU's limited performance. WPUs synthesized by using a sol-gel process were evaluated with FT-IR, particle analysis, TGA, tensile tests, pull-off tests, SEM, and EIS. The results showed that WPUs with added APTES had better thermal stability, mechanical properties, and water resistance than did WPUs without added APTES. Consequently, the sol-gel process increased the crosslink density of WPUs and modified the WPU's own properties.