Thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties of poly(propylene carbonate) cross-linked with polyaryl polymethylene isocyanate

In this study, cross-linked poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) was prepared using polyaryl polymethylene isocyanate (PAPI) as a cross-linking agent. The gel content, thermal behaviors, mechanical and rheological properties of the cross-linked PPC were investigated. FTIR results showed that the chemical reactions took place between PPC and PAPI and the interactions demonstrated that PPC may be cross-linked with the PAPI. The results of gel content revealed that PPC was partially cross-linked with the PAPI. The cross-linked PPC showed higher glass transition temperature and decomposition temperature compared with pure PPC. Accordingly, the melt flow index gradually decreased and complex viscosity increased with increasing PAPI content. Moreover, the mechanical properties proved also to be enhanced as evidenced by tensile tests. The introduction of small amount of cross-linkable moiety provides an efficient and convenient method to improve the properties of PPC and extend its application area.