Reaction injection molding (RIM) elastomers having superior high temperature performance

Abstract

Abstract Reaction injection molding (RIM) elastomers are being seriously considered by major automotive companies as a substitute for metal in exterior body panels. One major consideration in this application is dimensional stability at a 325°F paint bake cycle. Reported here are formulations which via novel processing result in finished parts with excellent dimensional stability at 325°F. In addition, other properties such as impact resistance and flex modulus ratio improve parallel with high temperature performance. Mechanical properties as a function of processing and molding parameters are presented. Other studies are presented and a tentative explanation of the superior performance of these RIM elastomers is made.