Polyurethane TDI (PU) [Polyester]

General Information:

• Product Name: TDI Polyester Polyurethane (PU) Elastomers
• Classification: Elastomeric polymer, thermoset
• Composition: Derived from toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and polyester polyols

Typical Properties:

• Density: 1.14 – 1.24 g/cm³ (depending on formulation)
• Tensile Strength: 30 – 60 MPa (based on formulation)
• Elongation at Break: 250 – 650%
• Tensile Modulus: 20 – 120 MPa
• Hardness: Shore A 75 – Shore D 60
• Tear Strength: 55 – 175 kN/m
• Compression Set: 5 – 28%
• Hydrolytic Stability: Generally less than polyether-based PUs but suitable for many applications

Features and Benefits:

• Abrasion Resistance: Excellent resistance to wear, making it apt for demanding applications.
• Chemical Resistance: Offers significant resistance to oils, greases, and various solvents.
• UV Resistance: Polyester-based PUs often have superior UV degradation resistance compared to polyether-based variants.
• Heat Aging: Generally shows better heat aging properties than polyether-based PUs.
• High Mechanical Strength: Suitable for high-load and high-stress applications.

Applications:

• Industrial: Drive belts, rollers, and bushings.
• Automotive: Tires, gaskets, suspension components, and belts.
• Mining and Construction: Abrasion-resistant components, liners, etc.
• Sporting Goods: Durable footwear soles, outdoor equipment.
• Medical: External prosthetics and certain protective gear.
• General Purpose: Outdoor applications, coatings, and films.

Processing Methods:

• Casting: Preferred for specific geometries and parts.
• Injection Moulding: Common for mass production of components.
• Reaction Injection Molding (RIM): Ideal for intricate or larger parts.

Environmental Impact and Recycling:

• Being thermosets, TDI polyester PU elastomers present recycling challenges in comparison to thermoplastics.
• Efficiencies in production processes and repurposing scrap can minimise waste.
• Investigations into chemical recycling methods like glycolysis are ongoing to improve recyclability.

Storage and Handling:

• It’s recommended to store in a cool, dry environment, away from UV light which can degrade the PU.
• TDI, as a raw material, demands careful handling due to its reactivity and potential health hazards.

Safety Information:

• Once fully cured, TDI polyester PU elastomers are generally deemed non-toxic.
• During production, ensure proper ventilation and wear protective equipment to avoid isocyanate exposure.
• Being flammable, they should be kept away from open flames. If combusted, harmful gases might be released.