Polyhydroxyacrylate–polyurethane semi-interpenetrating polymer networks

A series of semi-interpenetrating polymer networks based on a polyhydroxyacrylate of Bisphenol A and a polyurethane was synthesized by the simultaneous polymerization technique. The polyhydroxyacrylate resin was cross-linked in the presence of dicumyl peroxide at 130°C, including in its network structure the linear polyurethane. The synthesized semi-interpenetrating polymer networks were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, density measurements, as well as by thermal and mechanical analyses. It was remarked by a high degree of miscibility within the studied systems, and an improvement of the mechanical properties of polyurethane by incorporation of polyhydroxyacrylate resin.