# Effects of Aging on Sucrose-Based Poly(ester-urethane)s: Thermal, Ultraviolet, and Hydrolytic Stability

## TL;DR

This study examines how aging affects sucrose-based polyurethanes, finding that they remain stable and strong under various environmental conditions.

## Contribution

The study introduces sucrose-based polyurethanes with enhanced environmental stability for sustainable industrial use.

## Key findings

- Sucrose in polyurethanes protects ester and urethane groups from degradation.
- PCL-poly(ester urethane) showed the best stability due to higher crystallinity.
- PCL-based polyurethane retained over 85% fracture strength after aging.

## Abstract

Environmentally friendly sucrose-based poly(ester-urethane)s were synthesized and characterized, and their stability and degradation behavior were assessed under three different aging conditions: thermal, ultraviolet (UV), and hydrolytic treatment. The specimens underwent thermal treatment in both hot and cold climates to simulate a temperate continental climate. The samples were thoroughly characterized to assess chemical and structural changes (FT-IR, TGA, and DSC) and surface modifications (contact angle measurements and AFM and SEM analyses), providing insights into surface morphology and wettability alterations. Mechanical testing was also performed to evaluate the retention rate of the strength and the elongation after the aging process. The results showed that the introduction of sucrose into the main chain of the polyurethanes protected the ester and urethane groups from environmental degradation. The best stability in all three degradation environments was achieved by PCL-poly(ester urethane) due to its higher degree of crystallinity. PCL-based polyurethane exhibited a fracture strength retention rate exceeding 85% under all aging conditions, while the weight ratio remained practically unchanged after hydrolytic degradation. Thus, the obtained polyurethanes may support the advancement of sustainable, eco-friendly materials for future industrial applications.