Abstract
Laboratory studies suggest that polyether and polyester urethanes can both be protected from the effects of ultra-violet (UV) light by the addition of suitable UV absorbers and antioxidants. The formulation can therefore be tailored to the dictates of mechanical or chemical properties, without regard to the effects of light. Most environments needing light-stability also need long-term outdoor durability, which can be obtained only if the methane is resistant to hydrolysis. This mandates the use of a polyether soft segment. The best polyether is poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol, which provides the necessary mechanical and chemical properties; it can be formulated to give many years of stability.
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