Synthesis and characterization of new type polytetrahydrofuran polyol

Ring-open polymerization of tetrahydrofuran (THF) was investigated with glycerin or water as co-initiator, boron (tri) fluoride etherate (BF₃OEt₂) as initiator, and a new type of polytetrahydrofuran triol (PTHF-T) and polytetrahydrofuran glycol (PTMG or PTHF-G) was synthethized. The factors that affect polymerization reaction, such as the amounts of glycerin, glycerin and water, water, reaction time, were discussed. The polymers were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), viscosimetry, hydroxyl value. The degree of functionalization of PTHF varied linearly with the relative glycerin content in glycerin-water mixture. PTHF triol with a narrow molecular weight distribution and a higher yield was obtained when glycerin was used as co-initiator. The relationship between GPC and viscosimetry was obtained. Polytetrahydrofuran triol (PTHF-T) was used in the preparation of polyurethane rapid adsorption material.