A series of High Performance polyurethanes formulated for producing durable parts with extremely high elongation (356 – 800%) and tear strengths (130 – 325 pli) was introduced today by Innovative Polymers, Inc. The Shore A hardness elastomers exhibit outstanding resistance to gouging, cutting and abrasion as well as chemical and solvent exposure. The polyester polyol-based materials are ideal for casting amusement/ theme park ride components, oil/gas and mining equipment, and parts for the paper, printing and welding industries.

Innovative Polymers High Performance Shore A polyurethanes are pourable at room temperature for easy processing via hand-batch or meter-mixing. They are readily processed at temperatures between 77ºF and 130ºF and cure at temperatures below 150ºF. To attain maximum physical performance properties, the polyurethanes should be postcured for 12 hours at 150ºF. Like all Innovative Polymers products, the new polyurethanes contain neither mercury nor MOCA.

According to Michael Molitor, president of Innovative Polymers, “We formulated our new Shore A polyester polyol-based polyurethanes to perform in extreme operating environments. The elastomers represent a new generation of cost-effective systems that combine ease of processing combined with toughness previously unattainable in polyurethanes.” (See Figure 1 for physical properties.)

Four new materials have been introduced to date:

HP-1060A polyurethane is a translucent-colored material that is easy to mix using a 1:2 resin:hardener pbw or pbv ratio. Gel time is 20 to 25 minutes at room temperature; demold time is 24 hours at 150ºF. The Shore 60A material has an elongation of 800%, tear strength of 130 pli and split tear strength of 50 pli.

HP-1070A polyurethane is a Shore 70A system with a 12 to 15 minute gel time at room temperature. It can be demolded after 2 hours at 150ºF. Cured parts are translucent in color and have an elongation of 750%, tear strength of 225 pli and split tear strength of 55 pli.

HP-1085A polyurethane is a low viscosity material that, like HP-1070A, gels in less than 15 minutes at 77ºF. The white-colored material can be demolded after less than 3 hours at 135ºF. Cured parts have a tensile strength of 2,200 psi, elongation of 356%, Tabor abrasion resistance of 4 mg, tear strength of 310 pli and split tear strength of 112 pli.

HP-1090A polyurethane is off-white in color and features a convenient 1:1 pbw mix ratio and room temperature gel time of 12 to 15 minutes. Parts can be demolded after 3 hours at 135ºF. Tensile strength is 3,000 psi, elongation is 660%, tear strength of 325 pli and split tear strength of 143 pli.

Figure 1. Innovative Polymers Super Tough Polyurethanes

*Parts did not break