Views: 291 Author: Vickey Publish Time: 2023-06-27 Origin: Site
PTMEG is a waxy, white solid that melts to a clear, colorless, viscous liquid at or just below room temperature. Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is catalyzed into PTMEG by the polymerization process. The majority of PTMEG use worldwide is accounted for by spandex manufacturing. Other applications for polyurethane elastomers include copolyester-ether elastomers, thermoplastic polyurethanes, cast urethane elastomers, and urethane adhesives, sealants, and surface coatings. Polytetrahydrofuran is an amalgamation of chemical molecules having the formula HO(CH2)4O(CH2)4)nOH or HO((CH2)4O-)n-H. It is also known as poly (tetramethylene ether) glycol or poly (tetramethylene oxide). The substance is a blend of polyether diols with alcohol group terminations. It is created by the polymerization of 1,4-butanediol with tetrahydrofuran. The product is marketed as low-average molecular weight polymers with molecular weights ranging from 250 to 3000 daltons.It is a white waxy solid in this state, and it melts between 20 and 30 °C. The commercial product can be further processed to create polymers with 40,000 and higher molecular weights. PTMD was created for the first time in the late 1930s.
PTMEG is a polymer produced when tetrahydrofuran undergoes ring-opening polymerization. can only be produced by polymerizing THF with positive ions. In the industrial setting, fluorosulfonic acid, smoky sulfuric acid, or acetic anhydride-perchloric acid are employed as initiators to convert tetrahydrofuran into a compound with a molecular weight of 600–3000 and a double end group as a hydroxyl group.
Polytetrahydrofuran is primarily used to produce elastic fibers like spandex (elastane) for stretchy garments and polyurethane resins.The latter are polyurethane prepolymers dissolved in solvent. They are used in the manufacture of artificial leather. These elastomers are eitherpolyurethanes made by reacting PTMEG with diisocyanates or polyesters made by reacting PTMEG with diacids or their derivatives.
The polymer is also a starting material for thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic polyesters, polyetheramide, and cast polyurethane elastomers, used, for instance, in the wheels of roller skates and skateboards.
The main area of PTMEG is the spandex industry. Spandex is an elastic fiber with excellent performance, mainly used in the production of underwear, swimsuits, sportswear, and socks.
Polyurethane synthesized by PTMEG has the advantages of hydrolysis resistance, aging resistance, good elasticity, and wear resistance. It is the raw material for special rubber, which can be used to make aviation hose, lift tires, industrial tape, sports shoes, medical prostheses, etc.
PTMEG has the advantages of high strength, good elasticity, and mildew resistance and can also be used in the production of synthetic leather products, tires, conveyor belts, architectural coatings, and floors, as well as protective materials.
