Enhancing the Mechanical and Adhesive Properties of Polyurethane Adhesives with Propylene Oxide-Modified Ethylenediamine (PPO-EDA).

Abstract

This study explores the use of propylene oxide-modified ethylenediamine (PPO-EDA) as a novel crosslinker and chain extender in polyurethane (PU) adhesives. PPO-EDA was synthesized and compared with N,N'-dimethylethylenediamine (DMEDA) to assess its impact on mechanical properties and adhesion performance. Key parameters such as NCO conversion, tensile strength, and lap shear strength were thoroughly evaluated. The results demonstrated that incorporating PPO-EDA significantly improved NCO conversion and crosslink density, leading to notable enhancements in tensile strength and elastic modulus compared to DMEDA. Lap shear tests further revealed superior adhesion performance in PPO-EDA-modified PU adhesives, particularly on amine silane-treated steel substrates, where lap shear strength consistently outperformed other samples. This improved performance was attributed to PPO-EDA's dual role as a chain extender and crosslinker, which strengthened the adhesive's structural integrity. This study underscores the effectiveness of PPO-EDA as a modifier for enhancing both mechanical and adhesive properties in PU-based adhesives, offering a promising solution for optimizing high-performance adhesives in automotive and industrial applications.