Interfacial interaction between polyurethane/poly (methacrylateco-styrene) coating and the regenerated cellulose film

Water-resistant films were prepared by coating the surface of regenerated cellulose films with castor oil-based polyurethane (PU)/ poly-(methacrylate-co-styrene) [P (MA-St)]. The effects of the ratio of PU to P (MA-St) copolymer on tensile strength (dry and wet states), vapor permeability, size stability, and water resistivity of the coated films were studied. The interfacial interaction between cellulose and the PU/P (MA-St) coating was analyzed using infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). The results indicated that the mechanical properties and water resistivity of the coated films significantly enhanced, and the biodegradability was displayed, when the ratio of PU to P (MA-St) was 8∶2 by weight. The chemical bonds and hydrogen bonds between the cellulose, PU, and the copolymer exist in the coated films. It is regarded that PU/P (MA-St) semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) were formed, and a shared network of PU with both the cellulose and the coating in the coated film occurred simultaneously resulting in a strong bonding between the coating layer and the film. Supported by the State Economy and Trade Commission of China Gong Ping: born in 1963, Ph. D candidate