In this work, polyurethane aqueous dispersions with different formulations were produced in the absence of organic solvents. In the synthesis, isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), poly(propylene glycol) (PPG) and different types of hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) were employed. In order to make possible the dispersion of the polyurethane chains in water, dimethylolpropionic acid (DMPA), was used. Afterwards the acid groups were neutralized with triethylamine (TEA) to provide the ionic groups responsible for the particles stability in water. The solids content, viscosity and particle size of the formulations produced in this work were evaluated. These parameters were found to vary within a narrow range, regardless of the formulation. The films were transparent, flexible and showed a good adherence on aluminum surfaces. Their mechanical properties were satisfactory, particularly those obtained with higher contents of DMPA and at low values of NCO/OH ratio.
Polyurethanes; synthesis; aqueous dispersions; hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene; isophorone diisocianate
