Thermostability of Urethane Elastomers Based on

ABSTRACT: Polyurethane (PU) elastomers based on p-phenylene diisocyanate (PPDI), poly(oxytetramethylene) glycol or poly(1,6 hexamethylene adipate) gly-col and 1,4-butanediol were prepared at different NCO/OH ratios, and the mechanical property changes of these elastomers after heat aging at 150 °C were examined in the presence and absence of various antioxidants. It was found that the highest retention of mechanical properties of the polyether based PU elastomers were achieved with Irganox 1010 followed by Irganox 1024. There was no synergism observed in the combinations of antioxidants. The thermal oxidation stability of PUs based on polyester polyol was better than one based on polyether polyol. Both NCO/OH ratio and the methods of ad-dition of antioxidants to PU elastomers affect the final thermostability of the elastomers. *Author to whom correspondence should be addressed