Infrared linear dichroism study of a hydrolytically degraded poly(ester urethane)

Static and dynamic infrared linear dichroism data have been used to supply additional insight into changes in tensile properties as a consequence of h ydrolytic degradation of a segmented poly(ester urethane). Unaged material responds to tensile deformation with the soft (polyester) segments supplyin g the elasticity and the hard (polyurethane) segments supplying strength. U pon hydrolytic degradation, the static and dynamic data indicate altered or ientational responses at the molecular-level, which are interpreted as resu lting from cleavage of the soft segment chains and altered hydrogen-bonding interactions for both segments. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.