A model is developed in the form of one or two partial differential equations (master Smoluchowski-like equations) that describe evolution of the size distribution of polymer species formed in a step-growth polymerization of an AB 2 monomer. Groups B react with a substitution effect; i.e., they are initially equally reactive, but the reactivity of the second B group changes as the first has reacted. One master equation is sufficient to model formation of branched molecules only. Two are needed to take into account intramolecular cyclization. Monte Carlo simulations of the same process are used to verify the results of applying the kinetic model. The model can be applied to calculate various molecular parameters in polymerizing systems, including various average degrees of polymerization, size distribution of acyclic and cycle-containing polymer molecules, degree of branching, etc. Explicit formulas describing the dependence of some of these quantities on time or conversion degree are derived for the random system, i.e., the system reacting without substitution effect.
Polyurethane elastomers coating were synthesised by using typical diisocyanates, polyether and polyester polyols and HO-tertiary amines or diols as a chain extenders. Mole fractions of structural fragments (κexp) responsible for the polar interactions within polyurethane chains were calculated by 1H NMR method. Obtained results were confronted with the analogous parameter values (κtheor) calculated on the basis of process stoichiometry, considering the stage of the production of isocyanate prepolymers and reaction of their extension for polyurethanes. Trials of linear correlation between the κexp parameters and surface free energy (SFE) values of investigated coatings were presented. SFE values were determined by Owens–Wendt method, using contact angles measured with the goniometric method. Based on achieved results, another empirical models, allowing for prediction the influence of the kind of polyurethane raw materials on SFE values of received coatings were determined. It was found that it is possible to regulate the SFE in the range millijoules per cubic metre by the selection of appropriate substrates. It has been found that use of 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-1,4-butanediol as a fluorinated extender of prepolymer chains is essential to obtain coatings with increased hydrophobicity, applied among others as biomaterials—next to diphenylmethane diisocyanate and polyoxyethylene glycol.
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