Thermoplastic Copolyester Elastomers

Abstract

In this chapter the preparation, structure and properties of thermoplastic copolyester elastomers, TPEE, are presented. TPEEs are multiblock copolymers built up from so-called short crystallizable hard segments and long flexible segments. Owing to such chemical structure, TPEEs exhibit unusual combination of thermoplastic and elastomeric behavior. Physical and mechanical properties of these copolymers strongly depend on the chemical composition and the molecular structure of both hard and soft segments. By variation of the hard to soft segment ratio, the length of the soft segments and the degree of crystallinity of the hard segments, TPEEs ranging from soft to the relatively hard elastomers could be obtained. Recent developments in design and application of high-performance engineering TPEE materials and their blends and nanocomposites, as well as biodegradable TPEEs, are presented. Environmental impact, recycling possibilities and the future trends in TPEEs development are also addressed.