Synthesis and adhesion properties of waterborne polyurethane dispersions with long‐branched aliphatic chains

In this study, a series of waterborne polyurethanes (WPUs) with different contents of long‐branched aliphatic chains were synthesized through variation of the amount of diol chain extender trimethylol propane monooleate (TMPM). The effects of the TMPM content on the adhesion properties of the WPUs were investigated in terms of their surface tension, interfacial tension, contact angle, and adhesion strength. Fourier transform infrared and ¹H‐NMR spectra demonstrated the successful incorporation of TMPM into the polyurethanes. An increase in the TMPM content produced decreases in the surface tension of the WPUs and the interfacial tension and contact angle between the WPUs and plastic films. This indicated that the wetting properties of the WPUs on the plastic films was improved. The improved wettability enhanced the adhesion strength of the WPUs, and this showed that the long‐branched aliphatic chains could effectively improve the adhesion performance of the WPUs on the plastic films. Moreover, TMPM, with its hydrophobic aliphatic chains, increased the hydrophobicity and thermal stability of the WPU films. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41688.