Polyhydroxyacrylate-polyurethane semi-interpenetrating polymer networks

A series of semi-interpenetrating polymer networks based on a polyhydroxyac rylate of Bisphenol A and a polyurethane was synthesized by the simultaneou s polymerization technique. The polyhydroxyacrylate resin was crosslinked i n the presence of dicumyl peroxide at 130 degreesC, including in its networ k structure the linear polyurethane. The synthesized semi-interpenetrating polymer networks were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, density measurements, as well as by thermal and mecha nical analyses. It was remarked by a high degree of miscibility within the studied systems, and an improvement of the mechanical properties of polyure thane by incorporation of polyhydroxyacrylate resin. (C) 2001 Elsevier Scie nce Ltd. All rights reserved.