Recent studies on interpenetrating polymer networks

Abstract

Recent investigations on interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) have included two component IPNs from polyurethanes and poly(methacrylates) and two component IPNs from polyurethanes and epoxies. All the IPNs were prepared by the simultaneous polymerization technique (SIN‐IPNs). Two types of IPNs, polyurethane‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (PU/PMMA) and polyurethane‐poly(methyl methacrylate‐methacrylic acid) (PU/PMMA‐MAA) were prepared. Improved phase miscibility and decreasing extent of phase separation was observed in both types of IPNs with increasing the NCO/OH ratio, decreasing molecular weight of the polyol in the PU and introduction of charge groups. A comparison was made between full‐IPNs, pseudo‐IPNs, graft copolymers and related homopolymers from polyurethanes and epoxies. Increased compatibility in full‐IPNs and graft copolymers was observed by means of DSC, SEM and was also further substantiated by a shift toward single T_gs as determined by dynamic mechanical spectroscopy. The introduction of opposite charge groups in two‐component IPNs from polyurethanes and epoxies led to improved compatibility (no phase separation) and enhanced mechanical properties.