Examining the Water–Polymer Interactions in Non-Isocyanate Polyurethane/Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane Hybrid Hydrogels

Abstract

Non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) networks physically modified with octa(3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyldimethylsiloxy)POSS (8OHPOSS, 0–10 wt%) were conditioned in environments of different relative humidities (up to 97%) to study water–polymer interactions. The equilibrium sorption isotherms are of Brunauer type III in a water activity range of 0–0.97 and are discussed in terms of the Guggenheim (GAB) sorption model. The study shows that the introduction of 8OHPOSS, even in a large amount (10 wt%), does not hinder the water affinity of the NIPU network despite the hydrophobic nature of POSS; this is attributable to the homogenous dispersion of POSS in the polymer matrix. The shift in the urethane-derived carbonyl bands toward lower wavenumbers with a simultaneous shift in the urethane N-H bending bands toward higher wavenumbers exposes the breakage of polymer–polymer hydrogen bonds upon water uptake due to the formation of stronger water–polymer hydrogen bonds. Upon water absorption, a notable decrease in the glass transition temperature (Tg) is observed for all studied materials. The progressive reduction in Tg with water uptake is driven by plasticization and slaving mechanisms. POSS moieties are thought to impact slaving indirectly by slightly affecting water uptake at very high hydration levels.