Elastomeric finishes mechanism

Although the dynamic mechanical properties and the stress-strain behavior iV of block copolymers have been studied extensively, very little creep data are available on these materials (1-17). A number of block copolymers are now commercially available as thermoplastic elastomers to replace crosslinked rubber formulations and other plastics (16). For applications in which the finished object must bear loads for extended periods of time, it is important to know how these new materials compare with conventional crosslinked rubbers and more rigid plastics in dimensional stability or creep behavior. The creep of five commercial block polymers was measured as a function of temperature and molding conditions. Four of the polymers had crystalline hard blocks, and one had a glassy polystyrene hard block. The soft blocks were various kinds of elastomeric materials. The creep of the block polymers was also compared with that of a normal, crosslinked natural rubber and crystalline poly(tetra-methylene terephthalate) (PTMT). 

Hydroxy-terminated liquid polybutadienes are prepared for reactions with diisocyanates to form elastomeric polyurethanes (see Chapter 6). Such materials can be prepared by anionic polymerizations as living polymers and then quenched at the appropriate molecular weight. These polybutadienes can also be formed by a free-radical mechanism. The microstructures of the two products differ, however, and this may affect the properties of the finished products. To form hydroxy terminated polymers by a free-radical mechanism, the polymerization reactions may be initiated by hydroxy radicals from hydrogen peroxide. 

Vulcanisation of the covers is done in steam autoclaves, where the rubber polymer is crossHnked to the elastomeric network The cover is finished by mechanical tooling, drilling and grinding to the required geometrical dimensions. 

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