General Information:

• Product Name: MDI Polyether Polyurethane (PU) Elastomers
• Classification: Elastomeric polymer, thermoset
• Composition: Based on methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and polyether polyols

Typical Properties:

• Density: 1.10 – 1.20 g/cm³ (varies with formulation)
• Tensile Strength: 20 – 50 MPa (depending on formulation)
• Elongation at Break: 300 – 650%
• Tensile Modulus: 15 – 100 MPa
• Hardness: Shore A 65 – Shore D 60
• Tear Strength: 45 – 160 kN/m
• Compression Set: 5 – 35%
• Hydrolytic Stability: Superior due to polyether polyol structure

Features and Benefits:

• Hydrolytic Stability: Polyether-based PUs offer better resistance to moisture and aqueous environments compared to polyester-based PUs.
• Flexibility: Maintains excellent flexibility over a wide temperature range.
• Abrasion Resistance: Exceptional resistance to abrasion and wear.
• Low Temperature Performance: Exhibits better low-temperature flexibility than polyester-based PUs.
• Chemical Resistance: Particularly resistant to weak acids, bases, and various solvents.
• Good Dynamic Properties: Suitable for applications with dynamic stresses.

Applications:

• Industrial: Seals, gaskets, bushings, and conveyor belts in wet environments.
• Automotive: Dampers, engine mounts, seals, and interior components.
• Marine: Components exposed to seawater and buoyancy aids.
• Mining and Construction: Wet environment liners, hydrocyclones, and screen mats.
• Sporting Goods: Water-resistant footwear soles, aquatic equipment.
• Medical: Tubing, catheters, and implants.

Processing Methods:

• Casting: Typical for complex or specific geometries.
• Injection Moulding: For mass production of components.
• Reaction Injection Molding (RIM): Particularly for larger or detailed parts.

Environmental Impact and Recycling:

• As thermosets, MDI polyether PU elastomers are more challenging to recycle compared to thermoplastics.
• Waste reduction can be achieved by optimising production processes and reusing production scrap.
• Innovations in chemical recycling methods, such as glycolysis, are being explored to improve recyclability.

Storage and Handling:

• Store in a cool, dry place. Direct sunlight can degrade the PU over time.
• When handling raw materials (especially MDI), proper precautions must be taken as they can be reactive and potentially harmful.

Safety Information:

• Once cured, MDI polyether PU elastomers are non-toxic.
• During processing, ensure adequate ventilation and utilise proper protective equipment to prevent exposure to isocyanates.
• MDI-based PU is flammable. When burned, it can release toxic gases. Adequate fire safety measures should be in place.