Abstract
In recent years, as a result of pioneering work in Germany and England, diisocyanate-linked polymers have assumed increasing industrial importance. Special interest is being shown in elastomers and foams, although studies of fibers and plastics are continuing. These several classes of diisocyanate-linked polymers, with their markedly different mechanical properties, are possible because substances having two or more groups containing active hydrogen can potentially be linked by diisocyanates to yield a polymer. Since a great number of such substances exist, data which show relationships between polymer structure and mechanical properties have practical importance as well as theoretical interest. The first paper of this series on diisocyanate-linked polymers discussed the dilute solution properties of linear polymers prepared from toluene-2,4-diisocyanate and polyoxypropylene glycol 2025 (PPG). This paper discusses the properties of one class of diisocyanate-linked elastomers prepared by a one-step cast technique, i.e., all reactants are mixed together initially and then allowed to cure. Although these polyurethane elastomers have relatively poor mechanical properties as compared with certain other types of polyurethane elastomers, they are useful in applications where high tensile strength, tear resistance, and ultimate elongation are not required. They also constitute a class of polyurethane polymers convenient for use in studying relationships between chemical structure and mechanical properties.
Highly Stretchable Polymers: Mechanical Properties Improvement by Balancing Intra‐ and Intermolecular Interactions
