English Abstract
Recent Trends of Polyurethane Elastomers
Yukinori KAKINUMA
Central Research Laboratory, Nippon Polyurethane Industry Co.,Ltd.
Nippon Gomu Kyokaishi,(2005),78(2),85-87 General Review in Japanese


Abstract
Polyurethane elastomers have been widely used as industrial materials and others because of their outstanding mechanical strength and abrasion resistance. Polyurethanes are composed of the three main raw materials: isocyanate, chain extender and polyol. There are a number of combinations of these raw materials. Consequently, polyurethane elastomers exhibit various characteristics according to the kinds of these components.
Polyurethane elastmers will discolor after exposure to UV light in general. In recent years, the discoloration of polyurethane has been improved by using an aliphatic diisocyanate.
Generally, polyether-based polyurethane elastmers are weak at heat aging resistance, and polyester-based polyurethane exhibits poor hydrolysis resistance. Although only the use of polycarbonatepolyol as soft-segment gives excellent properties of both heat aging and hydrolysis resistance.
In addition, characteristic polyurethanes have been reported various types such as water absorbing, biodegradation and shape memorization. Novel characteristic polyurethanes will be developed by various composite techniques.

Keywords:
Polyurethane, Abrasion resistance, Discoloration, Heat aging resistance, Hydrolysis resistance
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