Effect of the type of anionic center on the characteristics of eco-friendly waterborne polyurethane/acrylate hybrids

Official URL: https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00706-022-02996-8

Waterborne polyurethane/butyl acrylate hybrids based on dimethylol propionic acid (DMPA) and N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid sodium salt (BES sodium salt) were successfully synthesized. The samples with a weight ratio of 70% waterborne polyurethane and 30% butyl acrylate monomer were prepared by radical copolymerization. Synthesis of the WPUA-DMPA and WPUA-BES was approved by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Also, properties of the samples such as morphology, thermal stability, mechanical properties, contact angle, hardness, abrasion, and chemical resistance were investigated. The results showed that the synthesized waterborne polyurethane/acrylate hybrid based on BES had better characteristics in comparison with DMPA-based because of stronger chemical bonding, smaller particles, and good particle distribution as SEM analysis verified. Generally, the results illustrated that the sample with the sulfonated anionic center was time-saving which was due to the elimination of the neutralization step by TEA. Eventually, WPUA-BES became more economical and stronger than the other sample.