Polymer, Vol.169, 124-130, 2019
Effect of molecular weight on scratch and abrasive wear behaviors of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers
The effect of molecular weight on scratch and abrasive wear behaviors of three model thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomers was examined. In this study, the model TPU samples investigated were synthesized to contain different molecular weights, but with the same type and ratio of hard and soft segments. Within the range of molecular weights examined, it is found that increasing the molecular weight improves the tensile strength of the TPU samples. The variation in molecular weight has minimal influence on the morphology and surface friction of the samples. Furthermore, this study indicates that a higher molecular weight is associated with improved resistance against scratch onset of cracking/material removal and abrasive wear volume loss. Implications of the present study for the design of scratch and abrasive wear resistant TPU are discussed.