Performance development of polyurethane elastomer composites in different construction and curing environments

Abstract

This study addresses the performance development law of polyurethane elastomer in different construction environments to promote its popularization and application. The ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) micropowder/polyurethane elastomer composites were prepared. Different types of construction and curing environments during the actual application of materials were simulated. The mechanical strength, flexibility, energy absorption state and cushion property of polyurethane elastomer at different environment conditions and curing time were studied systematically. The interactive development law of each performance was analyzed. The environmental adaptability of polyurethane elastomer was clarified. The results show that after curing at normal room temperature for 7 days, the index values of various performances for polyurethane elastomer at this time reached 95 % of the final value. And the various indexes were as follows. Tensile strength was 12–12.5 MPa, and elongation at break was 590 %-600 %. Tear strength was 78–80 N/mm. Absorbed energy was 1.7–1.8 J. The minimum buffer factor was 8–8.2. The hygrothermal environment accelerated the development of mechanical properties, but the cold environment greatly reduced the performance growth rate. These two environments damaged some performances of the material. Among them, mechanical strength and toughness decreased 45–60 %. In the performance forming process, the three indexes of mechanical strength, flexibility and energy absorption state had interactive relationship.