Prepolümeere

Prepolümeere are oligomers with terminal functional groups that are reactive. These terminal functional groups allow prepolymers to undergo further polymerization reactions, typically chain extension or crosslinking, to form higher molecular weight polymers. They are essentially intermediate products in the synthesis of polymers.

The process of creating prepolymers involves controlled polymerization of monomers to a specific, relatively low molecular weight. The key characteristic is the presence of specific chemical groups at the ends of these short polymer chains. These functional groups, such as hydroxyl, isocyanate, epoxy, or amine groups, are chosen based on the desired final polymer properties and the intended subsequent reaction.

Prepolymers are widely used in the production of various polymers, including polyurethanes, epoxies, and polyesters. In polyurethane synthesis, for instance, a diol or polyol prepolymer reacts with a diisocyanate to form the final polyurethane. This controlled approach allows for tailoring the properties of the final material, such as flexibility, hardness, and chemical resistance, by adjusting the prepolymer structure and the curing agent. They offer advantages in processing, allowing for lower viscosity starting materials and controlled reaction kinetics during the final polymerization step.