Stabilization of polyurethane to thermal degradation

Abstract

The labile hydrogen of the carbamate group is primarily responsible for color development in the thermal degradation of polyurethane. Replacement of this hydrogen by an alkyl group prevents back-dissociation. Accordingly, a number of N-substituted polyurethanes were prepared, including the methyl, benzyl, benzoyl, acetyl, and the (N-phenylamido) derivatives. Comparative studies at 150–155°C. showed that the N-methyl and N-benzyl polymers possess outstanding stability under the condition of our testing.