A 2-dimensional small-angle X-ray scattering study of the microphase-separated morphology exhibited by thermoplastic polyurethanes and its response to deformation

The morphological behaviour of poly(ether-urethane)s undergoing deformation was studied using two-dimensional small-angle X-ray scattering (2D-SAXS). The data was analysed using the Zernike-Prins and Percus-Yevick models, which fitted the data well and indicated morphologies composed of discrete, elongated hard segment (HS) microdomains. Although the formulations contained relatively large HS weight fractions, relatively low volume fractions of scattering bodies were indicated, which implied limited segmental de-mixing. Possible explanations for this were discussed. fitting the 2D-SAXS data for deformation experiments using the Zernike-Prins model, indicated that HS microdomains initially became aligned with the applied strain and subsequently fragmented. This suggested a morphological basis for the observed mechanical properties of these materials, which will be explored in more detail, in subsequent publications.