Interpenetrating polymer networks based On uralkyd-butylmethacrylate

Two-component semi- and full-interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) of hy drogenated castor oil based uralkyd resin (UA) and poly(butylmethacrylate) (PBMA) were synthesized by the sequential technique. The elastomers obtaine d were characterized with respect to their mechanical properties such as te nsile strength, elongation at break and hardness (Shore A). The apparent de nsities of these samples were determined and compared. Glass transition stu dies were carried out using differential scanning calorimetry. The thermal characterization of the elastomers was undertaken with the aid of thermogra vimetric analysis. Phase morphology was studied by scanning electron micros copy. The effect of the variations of UA-PBMA on the above-mentioned proper ties was examined. The elongation percentage at break showed higher values in the case of all the semi-IPNs as compared to the full-IPNs. (C) 2001 Pub lished by Elsevier Science B.V.