Effects of moisture on the high-speed impact response of selected polyurethane–polyether block copolymers

Abstract

Certain aspects of moisture sensitivity for selected polyurethane–polyether block copolymers were investigated. Exposure to ambient conditions tended to raise the impact velocity for projectile penetration and to decrease the brittleness of these materials. High values of relative humidity, whether applied immediately or after a time delay, led to softening and ductile response of an initially brittle formulation. Immediate desiccation of the brittle formulation caused retention of hardness and brittleness, whereas after prior humidification, desiccation removed much water but did not reverse the prior transition to ductile response to impact. Measurements were made of water sorption and desorption exhibited by this brittle formulation.