Spandex-Grade Polyurethane Elastomer with Reversible Covalent Adaptable Network for Green Solvent Processing and Fiber Formation
발표자
김민정 (인하대학교)
연구책임자
오동엽 (인하대학교)
초록
내용
Conventional spandex, composed of segmented polyurethanes with partially crosslinked structures, relies on toxic dipolar aprotic solvents (DMF, DMAc, NMP), causing environmental issues and limited recyclability. Herein, we developed polyurethane elastomers based on PTMEG and MDI and incorporated isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) to introduce kinked hard segments that disrupt crystallinity, enhancing solubility without compromising mechanical properties. Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) disulfide (BHPS), a dynamic chain extender, formed covalent adaptable networks (CANs) via disulfide metathesis, enabling reversible bond rearrangement and selective dissolution under mild conditions ( ≤ 80 °C) in green solvents such as diethyl carbonate (DEC) and tetrahydrofuran (THF). The resulting elastomers exhibited high elasticity, mechanical robustness, and were successfully processed into continuous fibers via wet-spinning, offering a sustainable and recyclable alternative to conventional fiber materials.