Synthesis and Properties of Silicone‐Based Polyurethane Surfactants

Abstract

This study reports a novel series of silicone‐based polyurethane (PU) surfactants by synthesized the addition polymerization of toluene diisocyanate to α,ω‐hydroxy polydimethylsiloxane, polyethylene glycol, and methanol. Their chemical structure was characterized by using Fourier transform infrared analysis. The prepared polymer's surface‐active properties in aqueous solution were investigated including surface tension, foaming, and wetting abilities. The results show this silicone‐based PU surfactants are fully water‐soluble and exhibit excellent surface‐active properties.

Keywords:

• Water‐soluble polyurethane
• α,ω‐Hydroxy polydimethylsiloxane
• Polyethylene glycol

Acknowledgment

This work was supported by the Chinese Committee of Education (Project No. 00195).