The effect of annealing on the thermal properties of reaction injection molded urethane elastomers

Abstract

AbstractReaction injection molded (RIM) polyurethanes, especially reinforced RIM polyurethanes, are promising candidates to replace metal exterior body panels on automobiles. One of the most important performance properties which these RIM parts must possess is thermal dimensional stability. Thermal dimensional stability is defined as the ability of a part to withstand distortion or change in size during thermal cycles. This property is important for two reasons. First, during paint operations parts are exposed to high paint bake temperatures. Second, parts may be exposed to relatively high temperatures in use. Thermal dimensional stability is mostly controlled by formulation and post‐treatment. Formulation can change the structure of the polymer leading to different thermal properties. Posttreatment such as annealing can change (a) the degree of hard segment phase order, (b) the degree of phase separation and (c) the relative continuity of the phases. Experimental evidence is given to support all these factors.