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Poly(tetrahydrofuran) is a high-performance polyether polymer characterized by repeating tetrahydrofuran (THF) units.
It is primarily used as a soft segment in the production of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs), elastomers, and spandex fibers.
PTHF's unique combination of flexibility, chemical resistance, and low-temperature performance makes it indispensable in numerous applications.
Chemical Structure and Nomenclature
The chemical structure of PTHF consists of a linear chain of tetrahydrofuran units, terminated with hydroxyl groups at both ends.
Its general formula is (C₄H₈O)n, where 'n' represents the number of repeating units.
The polymer's structure imparts flexibility and low crystallinity, contributing to its elastomeric properties.
Synonyms:
Poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol,Poly(tetramethylene oxide),PTMEG,Terathane,PolyTHF
CAS Number: 25190-06-1
Synthesis Methods
PTHF is synthesized through the polymerization of tetrahydrofuran (THF) monomers.
The polymerization process can be initiated by various catalysts, including strong acids or Lewis acids. The reaction proceeds via cationic ring-opening polymerization, leading to the formation of high molecular weight polyether chains.
Polymerization Reaction:
n C₄H₈O → (C₄H₈O)n
The molecular weight of PTHF can be controlled by adjusting the polymerization conditions, such as temperature, catalyst concentration, and monomer feed ratio.
This allows for the production of PTHF with varying properties to suit different applications.
Physical Properties
PTHF exhibits several key physical properties:
Appearance: White, waxy solid
Density: Approximately 0.982 g/cm³ at 30°C
Melting Point: Between 23°C and 28°C
Solubility: Soluble in water and various organic solvents
Molecular Weight Range: Commercially available grades range from 250 to 3000 daltons, with higher molecular weight grades exceeding 40,000 daltons
These properties contribute to PTHF's versatility in different industrial applications.
Applications
Elastomers and Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (TPUs)
PTHF serves as a soft segment in the synthesis of TPUs, providing flexibility and resilience.
These TPUs are utilized in various products, including automotive parts, footwear, and industrial hoses.
Spandex Fibers
The polymer is a key component in the production of spandex fibers, known for their exceptional stretchability and comfort.
These fibers are widely used in activewear, swimwear, and performance costumes.
Coatings and Adhesives
PTHF-based resins are employed in coatings and adhesives due to their excellent adhesion properties and resistance to environmental factors.
Biomedical Applications
In the biomedical field, PTHF is explored for applications such as drug delivery systems and tissue engineering scaffolds, owing to its biocompatibility and tunable properties.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT POLY(TETRAHYDROFURAN)
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
