Polymers with engineered segment molecular weight
AssigneeThe LYCRA Company LLC
InventorsNorman J. D'Allura, Hong Liu, Gregory L. Yoder, Nicholas E. Kurland, Oguzhan Celebi
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Abstract
Polymer compositions and processes for extended glycols and under-capping glycols for production of polymer compositions with engineered hard and soft segment molecular weights are provided. Also provided are fibers and articles of manufacture such as fabrics and garments produced from these polymer compositions and processes.
Claims12
A process for producing an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer by glycol extension for use in forming a segmented polyurethane or polyurethaneurea polymer with engineered soft segment and hard segment molecular weights with an HSWT % of from 3.62% to 7.79% and a segment molecular weight ratio (SSMW/HSMW) larger than 12.0, said method comprising:
- (a) reacting an excess amount of a lower molecular weight glycol with a diisocyanate to form an extended glycol derived from a glycol having a molecular weight of 1400 to 2500;
- and (b) reacting the formed extended glycol with an excess amount of a diisocyanate to produce an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer or capped glycol,
- wherein the isocyanate-terminated prepolymer or capped glycol exhibits a SET % of from 1.8% to 18%.
A process for under-capping glycols for production of a polymer with engineered hard and soft segment molecular weights, said method comprising:
- (a) adding a diisocyanate to a glycol at a low capping ratio to produce an under-capped capped glycol, wherein the glycol has a molecular weight of 1400 to 2500;
- (b) adding additional diisocyanate to the capped glycol;
- and
- (c) adding a chain extender to produce the polymer with engineered hard and soft segment molecular weights,
- wherein the polymer has an HSWT % of from 3.62% to 7.79%, and
- wherein the polymer exhibits a SET % of from 10.8% to 18%.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.