Critical parameters in designing segmented polyurethanes and their effect on morphology and properties: A comprehensive review

•Structural design and synthesis of segmented polyurethanes and polyureas.•Critical parameters affecting the morphology and properties of polyurethanes.•Chemical structure-morphology-property relations in segmented polyurethanes and polyureas.•Thermodynamic considerations of microphase separation in segmented polyurethanes.

A comprehensive discussion is provided of the critical physical, chemical and structural parameters, such as soft and hard segment structures and their molecular weights, polymer composition, solubility parameters, competitive intermolecular interactions and others, which strongly affect the morphology and bulk and surface properties of segmented thermoplastic polyurethanes, polyureas and polyurethaneureas (TPUs). Important developments related to the design, synthesis and structure-property behavior of segmented polyurethanes are discussed. Although the main emphasis is placed on linear materials, some brief comments are also given on the effect of chemical crosslinking on the structure-property behavior of segmented polyurethanes.

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