New polymer syntheses. Part 7. New unsaturated polyurethanes: synthesis and characterization

A novel series of polyurethanes was prepared via step-growth solution polym erization, by reaction of arylidene monomers, eg 2,5 his (4-hydroxybenzylid ene) cyclopentanone (I), 2,5-divanilly-lidenecyclopentanone (II), 2,6-bis ( 4-hydroxybenzylidene) cyclohexanone (III), 2,6-divanillylidene-cyclohexanon e (IV) or 2,7-bis(4-hydroxybenzylidene)cycloheptanone (V) with diisocyanate s such as toluylene diisocyanate and methylene bis(4-phenylisocyanate). To characterize these polymers, the corresponding model compounds were prepare d from monomers I-V and phenylisocyanate. The polymers were characterized b y reduced viscosity measurements, IR spectroscopy, H-1 NMR, solubility and determination of their crystallinity. Characterization of the model compoun ds was accomplished by elemental analysis, IR and H-1 NMR spectroscopy. The thermal stabilities of the polymers were evaluated by thermogravimetric an alysis. The morphology of one of these polymers was examined by scanning el ectron microscopy. (C) 1999 Society of Chemical Industry.