Effects of Itaconic Anhydride Content on the Properties of Modified Polyurethane

The enhancement of polyurethane properties for demanding applications through modification techniques remains a key research focus. In this study, the modified polyurethane (IPU) is synthesized using polycaprolactone diol (PCL), 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), and 1,4‐butanediol (BDO) as raw materials, with itaconic anhydride (IA) incorporated to react with the terminal hydroxyl polyurethane prepolymer (Pre‐PU). The effects of different IA contents on the structure, crystallization behavior, and properties of the IPU are systematically investigated. The results show that the IPU with 12 mol% IA exhibits the highest degree of hydrogen bonding, a relatively lower soft segment crystallinity, and a more developed microphase‐separated structure. This formulation demonstrates optimal overall performance, including enhanced tensile strength and elongation at break (13.9 MPa and 672.2%, respectively), good damping properties, and the least reduction in hydrophobicity.