Abstract
Improved cure efficiency of polybutadiene based-polyol cured elastomers was achieved by replacing the organomercury catalyst of the commercial formulation (EN-4) with small concentrations of ferric acetylacetonate [Fe(AcAc) 3]. Although the pot life of the Fe(AcAC)3 catalyzed formulation, designated EN-7, was 20% shorter than that of EN-4, the pot life could be doubled by addition of minute quantities of acetylacetone without adversely affecting the improved cure efficiency. Spectroscopic analyses were carried out which corroborate that the Fe(AcAc)3 catalysis of the isocyanate-alcohol reaction involves alcoholysis of the metal acetylacetonate. Characterization studies indicate that, if me chanical strength at elevated temperatures is not a requirement, EN-7 appears to be a viable replacement for Adiprene elastomers which are under suspension because of the alleged carcinogenic nature of the curing agent, MOCA.
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