Hyperbranched Polyether as a Modifying Agent for Urea-Formaldehyde Resins—Hardness and Strength Control Tool

Abstract

A commercially available urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin was blended with a hyperbranched polyether (HBP) obtained from glycerol being a by-product in biodiesel production. The mechanical properties of the cured polymeric blends are described in this article. It was found that low addition (3 wt%) of the modifier significantly improves the hardness (16%) and the compressive shear strength (17%) of the polymer, whereas water absorption remains unaffected. It was also shown that blending UF resins with hyperbranched polyethers can be an effective tool for controlling mechanical properties and dimensional stability of the polymeric systems.

Keywords:

• hardness
• hyperbranched polymers
• shrinkage
• UF resin

Notes

^a Control polymer.

^a Control polymer.

^b p-values are calculated with respect to control polymer. Significance level p < 0.05.