Synthesis and Characterization of New Polyurethane Adhesives

Polyurethane adhesives provide excellent flexibility, impact resistance and durability. Polyurethanes are formed through the reaction of an isocyanate component with polyether or polyester polyols or other active hydrogen compounds. This paper refers to polyurethane adhesives made from polyester polyols with long aliphatic chains (up to 36 carbon atoms) and MDI (diphenylmethane-4,4’-diisocyanate). The polyester polyols have been made from dimer acids obtained from renewable sources and short chain diols. The polyols that were used presented different degrees of unsaturation. The influence of the different raw materials in the adhesives performance is studied. The polyurethanes were produced by reaction between quasi-stoichiometric quantities of polyol and MDI, at several temperatures. The reaction was carried under inert atmosphere and at temperatures below 100°C. Performance of the adhesives was tested by carrying adhesion, hardness and water absorption tests. Characterization of both the polyester polyols and polyurethane adhesives was carried by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Magnetic Nuclear Resonance (NMR), X-Ray Diffraction (WAXD), Scanning RMN Imaging of 1H of Stray- Field b (MRI) and Brookfield viscometry.