Thermal degradation of polyurethane based on IPDI

The thermal degradation of synthetic polyurethane (PU) based on isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) was qualitatively and quantitatively investigated by pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) and thermogravimetry (TG). The degradation profiles of cast films obtained from dispersions were evaluated. More than 15 characteristic volatile pyrolyzates reflecting the structure and pyrolysis mechanisms of the polymers were identified by on-line MS. In helium atmosphere, the synthesized products of polyurethane was pyrolyzed at 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650 and 700 °C, respectively, and the pyrolyzates were analysis on line using GC/MS. The decomposition products analysis revealed that the pyrolyzates distribution of the polyurethane depends strongly on the pyrolysis temperature. We expect that this approach will have numerous application in studying the pyrolysis products and degradation mechanisms of various polyurethanes.