Preparation, Characterisation and Mechanical Properties of Environmentally Friendly Waterborne Polyurethane and Polyurethane-Acrylate

The waterborne polyurethane (PU) prepolymer was prepared based on the polyester polyol (N220), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), and dimethylol propionic acid (DMPA). The waterborne polyurethane-acrylate (PUA) dispersions were prepared with different proportions of acrylate by in situ dispersion technique. The structures and properties of prepared PU and PUA were analysed and characterised with FT-IR spectroscopy, etc. The results indicated that compared with PU, the PUA dispersions had larger particle diameters, narrower particle-size distribution, lower surface tension, high temperature stability and freeze-thaw stability. The PUA films showed better optical transparency, higher tensile strength and lower elongation at break. The prepared PUA have potential application such as coatings, leather finishing, adhesives, sealants, plastic coatings and wood finishes.