Rheological characterization of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers

Abstract

The relationship between the rheological properties and composition of eight thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPUEs) was evaluated using a stress-controlled rheometer. The composition of the TPUEs was changed by varying the OH/NCO ratio, the chain extender and the molecular weight of the macroglycol used in the synthesis. A high molecular weight macroglycol and a low OH/NCO ratio improved the rheological properties of the TPUEs due to the formation of longer or more abundant soft segments, respectively. The nature of the chain extender influenced the rheological properties to a lesser extent. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry