Synthesis and characterization of the cross-linked polyurethane–gum arabic blends obtained by multiacrylates cross-linking polymerization

This study evaluates the properties of the inter-cross-linked network of polyurethanes end-capped with multiacrylates groups and gum arabic blends obtained by a solution-mixing technique. The polyurethane acrylates have been synthesized from polytetramethylene ether glycol and 1,6-hexane diisocyanate with pentaerythritol triacrylate as the capping agent. Gum arabic 1%, 3%, 5% and 10% (by weight) was incorporated into the polyurethane acrylates matrix. The physical, thermal, morphological and mechanical properties of the blends were investigated. Data obtained from mechanical studies indicated that the introduction of gum arabic (until 5%) into the cross-linked polyurethane acrylates matrix improved the breaking strain values. The addition of gum arabic in the polyurethane acrylates network matrix induced a decrease in the water contact angle and in the water–polymer blend surface tension. The atomic force microscopy micrographs of the surfaces of cross-linked polyurethane acrylates–gum arabic blend matrix show the presence of a heterogeneous morphology, and its average roughness increases at high content of gum arabic. Thus, polyurethane acrylates–gum arabic blends can be used to produce composite materials with increased content of natural raw materials and improved hydrophilic–hydrophobic properties for various applications.