Synthesis and surface properties of aqueous dispersions of poly(ester-imide) prepared from anhydride terminated polyester prepolymer and diisocyanate.

Aqueous dispersions of poly(ester-imide)s [P(E-I)s] have been prepared by dispersing the P(E-I)s in water without any external solubilizing agents. P(E-I)s were prepared from anhydride-terminated polyester prepolymer and diisocyanate. The -COOH groups in the polymer were then neutralized using triethylamine and the P(E-I)s were subsequently dispersed in water. The influence of the degree of ionization of polymers on the particle size and viscosity of the dispersion has been studied. The dispersions were crosslinked using polyaziridine. The crosslinked dispersion cast films were characterized for dynamic mechanical properties. As the ionic content increased the particle size decreased and the viscosity increased. When the amount of crosslinker added was varied, for a fixed percentage of ionization, the glass transition temperature Tg shifted to higher values. Critical surface tension (CST) measurements indicated reorganization of hydrophobic groups on the surface after crosslinking.