The effect of some disiloxane chain extenders on the thermal and mechanical properties of cross-linked poly(siloxane-urethane)s

Poly(siloxane-urethane) (PSiU) networks based on a bis(hydroxyorgano) disiloxane chain extender, a trifunctional polyether polyol as a cross-linker, methylene-diphenyl diisocyanate and α,β-hydroxyethoxyethyl polydimethylsiloxane were synthesized in butyl acetate solution. The effect of the chain extenders and the cross-link density was investigated by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), swelling, hardness and tensile strength measurements. Isotherm thermogravimetric analyses were carried out for selected polymer compositions at 120 and 170°C and also the changes in tensile strength were followed. The different chain extenders have a strong effect on the hard segment structure, thus on the thermal and mechanical behaviour. The phase separation of the soft and hard segments was indicated by the two or three well distinguished tanδ peaks, the maxima of which range within wide intervals depending on the polymer composition. The polymers of high cross-link density showed a very good thermal stability, high tensile strength (up to 68.7 MPa) and hardness (80–95 Shore A) even of high 13–36% dimethyl siloxane content. Changing the siloxane soft segment ratio and the cross-link density the physical properties can be adjusted.