Thermal Degradation Studies of Polyurethane/POSS Nanohybrid Elastomers

Journal Article · Fri Mar 05 04:00:00 EST 2010 · Polymer Degradation and Stability

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2010.02.021· OSTI ID:992755

Lewicki, J P; Pielichowski, K; TremblotDeLaCroix, P; Janowski, B; Todd, D; Liggat, J J

Reported here is the synthesis of a series of Polyurethane/POSS nanohybrid elastomers, the characterization of their thermal stability and degradation behavior at elevated temperatures using a combination of Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Thermal Volatilization Analysis (TVA). A series of PU elastomers systems have been formulated incorporating varying levels of 1,2-propanediol-heptaisobutyl-POSS (PHIPOSS) as a chain extender unit, replacing butane diol. The bulk thermal stability of the nanohybrid systems has been characterized using TGA. Results indicate that covalent incorporation of POSS into the PU elastomer network increase the non-oxidative thermal stability of the systems. TVA analysis of the thermal degradation of the POSS/PU hybrid elastomers have demonstrated that the hybrid systems are indeed more thermally stable when compared to the unmodified PU matrix; evolving significantly reduced levels of volatile degradation products and exhibiting a {approx}30 C increase in onset degradation temperature. Furthermore, characterization of the distribution of degradation products from both unmodified and hybrid systems indicate that the inclusion of POSS in the PU network is directly influencing the degradation pathways of both the soft and hard block components of the elastomers: The POSS/PU hybrid systems show reduced levels of CO, CO2, water and increased levels of THF as products of thermal degradation.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 992755
• Report Number(s): LLNL-JRNL-425204
• Journal Information: Polymer Degradation and Stability, Journal Name: Polymer Degradation and Stability Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 95; ISSN PDSTDW; ISSN 0141-3910
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
BUTANE
CHAINS
DISTRIBUTION
ELASTOMERS
EVAPORATION
HYBRID SYSTEMS
STABILITY
SYNTHESIS
THERMAL DEGRADATION
THERMAL GRAVIMETRIC ANALYSIS
WATER