Resorcinolic Diols for High Performance Urethane Elastomers

Polyurethane elastomers have a wide range of application including skate wheels, rollers, caster wheels, and hydraulic seals. In preparing elastomers for these applications, MDI terminated polyester or polyether type prepolymers are typically reacted with an aliphatic chain extender; e.g. 1,4 Butane Diol. In order to enhance the mechanical properties, necessary for performance in high temperature and dynamic conditions, aromatic diols are the extender of choice. Resorcinolic Diols (e.g. HER) are easy to process aromatics capable of delivering high performance in MDI elastomer or rigid foam applications.