Structure and mechanical properties of the compositions of polyisocyanurate polymers with low molecular weight rubbers

Abstract

AbstractThe structure and properties of the compositions of polyisocyanurates modified with low molecular weight rubber networks have been investigated by means of dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA), electron microscopy, and stress‐relaxation experiments. The network compositions consist of two different polymeric networks. The first component (macrodi‐isocyanate based on low molecular weight polybutadiene or copolymers of tetrahydrofuran and propylene oxide) has bulky cross‐linked points connected by short flexible chains. The second component (diphenylmethanediisocyanate) also has bulky cross‐linked points of the same structure, but the linear fragments between them in this case are very small and rigid. These compositions result in the formation of the heterophase system. As a result, transparent samples were prepared, which differ from the mechanical properties of both the glassy and rubbery polymers. These materials have a modulus of elasticity (from 103 to 10 MPa) that is usual for the transition zone between the glassy and rubbery states; nevertheless, these materials show elastic (and not viscoelastic) properties. For the materials investigated, the modulus is decreased not more than 10 times in the wide temperature interval from 200 to 500 K. A new state of the polymer, which differs from both the glassy and rubbery states, has been identified in the present case. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.