Effect of Solvent on the Properties of TPU (PCL)/PCL Blends Prepared by Solution Method

The blends of thermoplastic polyurethane based on polycaprolactone diol (TPU(PCL)) and Poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) with 50% weight fraction are prepared by solution castmethod. Different solvents: tetrahydrofuran (THF), dimethylacetamide (DMAc) and dimethylformamide (DMF) were used. The blend prepared by THF solvent showed bettermiscibility and better phase dispersion. The morphology and mechanical properties of TPU(PCL)/PCL blends have been investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) and tensile test. When a film cast from THF, Tg and Tm are slightly reduced to a lower temperature that also lowers the crystallization of PCL and inhance the blend miscibility and phase adhesion. The tensile test results and SEM micrographs confirmed better phase dispersion in THF system

Keywords:

Morphology , Solution blending , Solvent , Polyurethane