Properties of some cast polyurethane rubbers prepared from poly‐ε‐caprolactone polyols and diisocyanates

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Abstract
Polyurethanes were prepared by a one‐step method from poly‐ε‐caprolactone (PCL) diols, diisocyanates, and a triol crosslinking agent (either PCL triol or trimethylolpropane). The influence of composition on mechanical properties was examined. In some formulations the elastomeric properties were lost by crystallization of the PCL segments. The occurrence and rate of crystallization were influenced by the composition and factors such as hydrolytic degradation and oil swelling. In one series of polymers the susceptibility to crystallization could be predicted from the composition. These materials showed melting and glass transitions when examined by differential scanning calorimetry and thermomechanical analysis. The molecular weight of the PCL diol had a greater influence on the glass transition temperature than the diol concentration.