Synthesis and characterization of eugenol‐based silicone modified waterborne polyurethane with excellent properties

Abstract A eugenol‐based silicone‐containing monomer 4,4′‐(1,1,3,3‐tetramethyldisiloxane‐1,3‐dipropyl)bis‐2‐methoxyphenol(EUSi) was synthesized from eugenol and 1,1,3,3‐tetramethyldisiloxane via the hydrosilylation reaction. And waterborne polyurethane (WPU) with excellent properties was obtained by using EUSi as a type of diol chain extender. The unique combination of rigidity and flexibility in the chemical structure of EUSi greatly facilitated the mechanical properties, thermal properties, and water resistance of WPU. With only a 3% dosage of EUSi, the maximum tensile strength was increased from 6.2 to 22.4 MPa, while the water absorption was decreased from 31.3% to a surprisingly 7.6%. Our work provides a new convenient strategy for the preparation of organosilicon‐modified WPU with improved performance.