Degradation process of an industrial thermoplastic elastomer polyurethane-coated fabric in artificial weathering conditions

Abstract

The aging of an industrial thermoplastic elastomer polyurethane (TPU)-coated fabric, based on a polyether diol and an aromatic diisocyanate, is studied in artificial weathering tests. It is noticed that the degradation of this TPU-coated fabric leads to a weight loss, to the formation of a reticulated layer in sample surface, and to a change of surface relief. The degradation layer and the surface relief have been observed by optical microscopy. The weight loss has been followed with aging time. The main degradation products causing weight loss are volatile. Therefore, they have been analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. The weight loss degradation takes place in the exposed part of the reticulated layer by volatile products emission, which implies the urethane and the polyether bonds. Water is involved in degradation process: without external water supply, weight loss is limited; with a permanent contact of vapor or liquid water, the weight loss rate is constant and depends on aging conditions.