Influence of temperature on domain structuring in segmented urethane polymers

Abstract

X-ray and thermomechanical methods have been used to study the formation of the domain structure and thermomechanical properties of polyether urethane urea obtained by hardening the prepolymer at 120°C. According to the results, the perfectioning of the domain structure and heat stability of the X-ray amorphous material obtained may be considerably improved by heating it to temperatures above that indicated. The facts observed are explained by the kinetic transgression of the limit of the structuring at the hardening temperature and the possibility of their continuation (to a new limit) at higher temperature. The process is localized in the microphase of the domains and occurs in conditions when the material as a whole retains high elasticity. In the course of thermal perfectioning of the structure crystallization of the domains is also possible.