Syntheses and characterizations of soft-segment ionic polyurethanes

Abstract

Novel soft-segment ionic polyurethane (linear and crosslinking) have been prepared based up on sodium sulfonate-side chains poly(ethylene oxide) (SPEO). SPEO was synthesized by grafting the sodium sulfonate onto the chain of poly(ethylene oxide) with molecular weights of 400, 600, 800, and 1000. The SPEO and the ionic polyurethane were characterized by elemental analysis, IH;NMR, C-13-NMR, gel permeation chromatography, and impedance analysis. The effect of plasticizer on the ionic conductivity of the polyurethane was also investigated. These solid polymer electrolytes possess a higher ionic conductivity (about 10(-6) S/cm at room temperature) than the corresponding sulfonated hard-segment polyurethane electrolytes. The presence of the hydroxyl group in the electrolyte tends to lower the ionic conductivity. Crosslinking of polyurethane results in the enhancement of the dimensional stability, while maintaining the same level of the ionic conductivity. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.