Patent Title: ISOCYANATE-MODIFIED RIGID THERMOPLASTIC POLYMER COMPOSITIONS

 Number/Link: WO2017/146948  WO2017/146949

Applicant/Assignee: Eastman Chemical

Publication date: 31 august 2017

“Gist”: A “rigid”, high Tg polyester diol is extended with 4,4′ MDI

Why it is interesting: Rigid, high modulus TPUs have been known for a long time – see e.g. Upjohn’s classic patent on ‘Isoplast’ from 1981. These materials are high hardblock TPUs made from diisocyanates, chain extenders with only a small amount of high molecular weight diol as an impact modifier. According to the current invention however, rigid TPUs can be made using less than 40% (w/w) of diisocyanate, a high Tg polyester diol and optionally some chain extender.  The polyester is prepared from ‘rigid’ diols like isosorbide or 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol together with a ‘rigid’ diacid like terephthalic acid, such that the diol has a MW of more than 400 Dalton and a Tg of more than 40°C. The diisocyanate is pref. 4,4-MDI. The rigid TPUs have a Tg of more than 145°C and a tensile modulus of 1 GPa or higher. They are said to be less moisture sensitive than conventional rigid TPUs.

1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol