ABSTRACT
The mechanical strength properties of polyester and polyether-based polyurethanes depend not only on the primary valence forces but depend to a great extent on their secondary valence forces, in particular hydrogen bonding. This chapter aims to compare the performance of DIFOL polyols in both thermoplastic and cast polyurethane elastomers with that of commercial polyols and to establish structure-property relationships. The reactivity of the polyols was studied by reaction with phenyl isocyanate in diglyme at 70°C. The reaction was carried out in a 250 ml three-necked flask which was equipped with a magnetic stirrer, thermometer, refluks condenser, and a nitrogen inlet. The softening of polyurethane elastomers was measured by thermo-mechanical analysis. The softening temperature of the polyurethane elastomers is a function of hard segment composition and the degree of phase separation. Structure-property relationships were established for these elastomers and compared to polyurethane elastomers prepared from commercial polyols.
