Correlation Between Cross-link Density and Dynamic Mechanical Behavior of Castor-oil-based Polyurethane/Poly(Methyl Acrylate) Interpenetrating Polymer Networks-Part XXIV

Abstract

A series of two-component polyurethane/poly(methyl acrylate) sequential, interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) containing different amounts of polyurethane were prepared. The NCO-to-OH ratio used in the preparation of the first-formed polyurethane network' was varied in order to change the cross-link density in the matrix of these IPNs. The morphology of these IPNs was investigated using electron microscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis and equilibrium compression studies. It was concluded that as the NCO-to-OH ratio increased, the cross-link density increased and thereby the extent of mixing increased.