Poly(ether-block-amide): synthesis, properties and applications

Challenging high-performance polymeric materials are in big demand and poly(ether-block-amide) copolymers meet the requirements of advanced applications in various marketplaces. Thermoplastic elastomers with desired final properties can be tailored through the interplay of polymer segments having different chemical nature, length, and weight. Investigations suggest that the micro-phase separated morphology is the actual responsible reason for the outstanding properties of these copo- lymers that are not usually observed for each individual component. Excellent mechanical resistance, as well as enhanced chemical inertia and powerful perm-selective transport properties, can be regarded as the result of the intricate interplay of the various constituents of these segmented copolymers. The potential impact of these copolymers for successful strategic applications, including textile, gas separation, packaging, is examined throughout the chapter.