The invention relates to improved polyurethane ionomers and methods for making
the same. It was found that the polyurethane anionomers obtained by using the method
of the invention had improved physical properties than those made by conventional
methods. For example, the polyurethane ionomers produced by the method of the invention
exhibit a plateau in the plot of elasticity modulus (as log10E)
vs. temperature over a useful and relatively broad temperature and frequency range.
The polyurethane ionomers have nearly temperature-independent elasticity over a
50 C. range in the region of -20 to +75 C. Another advantage
is that the polyurethane ionomers of the invention are optically clearer than the
conventionally prepared polyurethane ionomers. A further advantage of the invention
is that the synthetic process of making the polyurethane ionomers is much faster
than the known process for equivalent compositions. Additionally, striking tensile
strength properties were observed for the polyurethane ionomers.