Synthesis and characterization of polycaprolactone-based segmented polyurethanes

Segmented polyurethanes were synthesized by the reactions of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-diol and 1,6- hexamethylene diisocyanate through bulk polymerization without using solvent, initiator, or catalyst. Phase separation and hydrogen bond formation between hard segments or between hard and soft segments were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)-ATR and X-ray diffraction (XRD), while physical and mechanical properties were studied by atomic force microscope, differential scanning calorimeter, dynamic mechanical analysis, and tensile tester.