The effect of castor oil on the structure and properties of polyurethane elastomers

Abstract

Abstract Segmented polyurethane elastomers based on a mixture of castor oil and poly(propylene glycol), 4,4'‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate, and 1,4‐butanediol were prepared. The ultimate, thermal, dynamic mechanical behavior and morphology were studied. The use of castor oil shifts the main transition region of the soft phase to higher temperatures (the glass transition temperature T g increases) improves abrasion resistance and the tensile strength. The multifunctionality of castor oil leads to the crosslinking of the soft segments and a decrease of the sol and swelling of elastomers.