Jiang, J Y; Wang, Z Y; Hong, S B; Long, H; Ji, X; Zhou, L. A Molecular dynamics and structural unit contribution analysis of waterborne polyurethane structure-property relationships. Acta Polymerica Sinica (in Chinese), 2026, 57(6), 1402-1411.
Jiang, J Y; Wang, Z Y; Hong, S B; Long, H; Ji, X; Zhou, L. A Molecular dynamics and structural unit contribution analysis of waterborne polyurethane structure-property relationships. Acta Polymerica Sinica (in Chinese), 2026, 57(6), 1402-1411.DOI: 10.11777/j.issn1000-3304.2026.26047. CSTR: 32057.14.GFZXB.2026.7584.
A Molecular Dynamics and Structural Unit Contribution Analysis of Waterborne Polyurethane Structure-property Relationships
To address the challenges associated with the traditional empirical trial-and-error approach in waterborne polyurethane research
this study presents an integrated methodology that combines molecular simulation and the structural unit contribution method. First
a modular design strategy was employed to deconstruct the polyurethane system
and the key thermodynamic parameters of the components were obtained through molecular dynamics simulations. Second
a "formulation-property" calculation method was established based on the structural unit contribution method
enabling a quantitative correlation from microscopic structural units to segmental mobility. Finally
by integrating the structure-property relationship analysis with experimental validation
a strategy for regulating the material performance was established. Case studies revealed three typical mechanical behavior characteristics of polyurethanes: "high strength and high toughness
" "high stiffness and high brittleness"
and "stiffness-toughness balance" along with their underlying microscopic regulation mechanisms. This study provides a methodological reference for the optimized design and performance-oriented regulation of waterborne polyurethane materials.
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