Hydroxy-telechelic poly(ethylene-co-isobutylene) as a soft segment for thermoplastic polyurethanes

Abstract

Facile preparation of linear amorphous hydroxy-telechelic poly(ethylene-co-isobutylene) (PEIB) was enabled by ROMP of a new monomer, (Z)-5,5-dimethylcyclooct-1-ene (Me₂COE). Control of the equivalent isobutylene content and the resulting thermal properties was accomplished via copolymerization with COE. The applicability as a prepolymer was demonstrated by the synthesis of a tough, elastic and free-standing polyurethane film.