Influence of preparation method on adhesion and drying performances of polyurethane dispersion

Waterborne polyurethane (WPU) dispersions with a high solid content were prepared by one-step and two-step methods with polyester and polyether type macromolecular diols as the main raw materials. The effects of two synthesis methods on the properties of WPU of polyester and polyether were studied. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, particle size and distribution, and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) measurements were utilized to characterize the structure. The dryness test results showed that the WPU synthesized with polyester diol as the soft segment by the two-step method had the best drying. In addition, the microstructure of WPU was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, which confirmed that WPU was mainly spherical structure. TGA and scanning electron microscopy results showed that the microphase separation between the soft and hard segments of WPU prepared by the two-step method was weaker, the hydrogen bonding was stronger, the adhesion, and thermal stability of WPU was improved.