Influence of chitosan/1,4-butanediol blends on the thermal and surface behavior of polycaprolactone diol-based polyurethanes.

This current study aims to study of the thermal behavior of the polyurethane elastomers (PUEs) by varying blends of 1, 4-butanediol and chitosan (CS) into the backbone of polyurethane (PU). The polycaprolactone diol (PCL) was used as a macrodiol while a mixture of CS and 1, 4-butanediol was reacted to extend the polymer. For the preparation of NCO-endcapped polyurethane prepolymer; one equivalent of PCL was reacted with three equivalents of toluene diisocyanate (TDI). The obtained pre-polymer was further extended with CS and 1, 4-butanediol (2 mol) individually and with different blends. The characterization of the structure was determined using FTIR and NMR spectroscopy. The glass transition temperature of prepared polyurethanes was measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results obtained showed that, the thermal behavior of PUs was enhanced as the CS contents were increased in the PU backbone. The crystalline behavior of CS increased the hydrophobicity of the prepared PUs. Moreover; the water absorption, contact angle, swelling behavior, work of water adhesion and surface free energy of the synthesized PUs were affected with the addition of chitosan. Finally, it has been concluded resultant chitosan based PU has a potential for biomedical implant i.e., non-absorbable suture.