Synthesis and characterization of polydioxolane polyurethane ionomer

A series of novel sodium salts of sulfonated polyurethane ionomers with polydioxolane as soft segment was successfully synthesized and their properties were characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and complex impedance analysis. As the ionization level increased, the compatibility of the hard segments and soft segments was improved and the glass transition region of soft segment became broader. The effects of ionization level, temperature, chemical components of soft segment on ionic conductivity of ionomers were investigated in detail. Adjusting the ionization level and incorporating PEG soft segment into the PDXL-PU ionomers, a new type of solid polymer electrolyte material with good mechanical properties and high ionic conductivity could be obtained. (C) 2001 Kluwer Academic Publishers.