Thermal and mechanical properties of ureaurethane elastomer composites with hollow glass spheres

Polyurethane elastomers (PUR) are used for the production of components subjected to abrasion. In many of these applications, the strength of polyurethane elastomers is not sufficient in spite of their modifications. In use PUR deteriorate as a result of mechanical and/or thermal degradation due to high loads and heat accumulation. To increase the strength properties of PUR and limit the accumulation of energy in the deformable material it is proposed to introduce to the PUR hollow glass spheres (HGSs). As part of the study the effect of these fillers on the properties of ureaurethanes was assessed. The resulting composites were characterized using thermal analysis techniques (DSC, TGA, and DMA), the chemical constitution was described via FTIR and the structure with use of SEM. The results of investigations of strength and tribological properties were presented. The filler is combined with the matrix by hydrogen bonding forming an additional cross‐linking of the macromolecules. Introduction of HGSs reduces the ability of the composites to suppress vibrations. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2019–2028, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers