Elastomers Based on Polyester

Abstract Polyester elastomers were prepared by block copolymerization of dimethyl terephthalate (DMT), butanediol (BDO), and polytetramethylene glycol (PTMG). Polyester from DMT and butanediol forms a high-melting hard segment in block copolyester to prevent undue chain slippage when fibers are stretched. High elongation was provided by soft segment which consisted of condensation product from DMT and PTMG. Experiments were carried out to determine the effect of composition variables on the properties of these elastomers, such as glass transition temperature, elongation at break, tenacity, and elastic recovery. The study on molecular characteristics of the elastic polyester showed that a leather-like region exists between glassy and rubbery regions. These elastomers were melt-spun to give elastic fibers which are competitive with commercially available Spandex-type fibers.