Silicone-urea copolymers modified with polyethers

Abstract

Silicone-urea copolymers were modified by the chemical incorporation of polyethers (PEO and PPO) into the polymer backbone. Resulting materials were characterized by dynamic mechanical analysis, tensile tests, water absorption studies and refractive index measurements. Depending on the type, average molecular weight and amount of the polyether incorporation and urea hard segment content of the copolymer it was possible to modify the microphase morphologies and physicochemical properties of silicone-urea copolymers. We believe using this novel approach and simple, one-pot reaction procedure it is possible to tailor design and prepare silicone-urea copolymers with controlled hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance, improved tensile properties and controlled refractive indices.