Effect of phase separation on the crystallization of soft segments of green waterborne polyurethanes

Effect of phase separation on the crystallization of soft segments of green waterborne polyurethanes (WPUs) was discussed in this paper. Phase separation was studied through dynamic mechanical analysis and energy dispersive spectrometer. Energy dispersive spectrometer was employed originally for the study of phase separation of polyurethanes in our study. Crystallization of soft segments of green WPUs was characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and polarizing optical microscope. Characterization results indicated that phase separation hindered the crystallization of soft segments of green WPUs; higher phase separation degree gave rise to lower crystallization capacity, lower crystallinity and smaller crystals of soft segments.