POLYURETHANE GAMMA RADIATION RESISTANCE. Preliminary Report, May 15, 1958- December 1, 1958

Samples of two high-strength thermoplastic polyurethane Estane elastemers and one high-strength thermoset Estane elastomer were prepared and about a dozen different physical properties as well as infrared and ultraviolet absorption spectra determined for each composition. Radiation doses of 6 to 26 x 10/sup 6/ roentgens were applied to Polyurethane VC samples in air and in nitrogen environments and in a 50 micron vacuum. Infrared and ultraviolet absorption spectra changes in the polymer attending the exposure are under study, evolved gases are identified in the mass spectrometer, sol-gel determinations to estsblish crosslinking/ chain scission ratios are made, and macromolecular changes in the exposed polymer are estimated using light scattering techniques, the constant load rheometer, and the dynamic extrusion rheometer, and from intrinsic viscosity data. (auth