Use of combinatorial chemistry to develop photocurable thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPUs)

Combinatorial chemistry was used to develop photocurable thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers through the incorporation of photoreactive diacetylene diols as chain extenders. The methodology applied allowed, in 36 experiments, the choice of the best compromise between mechanical properties and lack of colour. The combinations chosen were scaled up and their properties were evaluated in terms of mechanical properties. The combinatorial approach reduced the estimated time tenfold in developing such type of materials.