Analysis of weathering of thermoplastic polyester elastomers .1. Polyether-polyester elastomers

Thermoplastic polyester elastomers (TPEE) are useful as new materials covering the region between rubbers and plastics. At present, the uses under outdoor conditions have increased. However, weatherability of TPEE is not clear. We have studied weathering of TPEE, by means of GPC, TG/DTA, FT-IR and H-1-NMR and other methods. In conclusion, (1) Ether parts of the soft segment in the polymer are degraded selectively and ester bonds are formed. (2) In both outdoor exposure tests and the accelerated weathering test, main chain scission and crosslinking reactions occur. (3) There was a clear difference between tendencies of degradation by outdoor exposure and the accelerated weathering test. The amount of crosslinked products which formed during the accelerated weathering test was larger than that formed during the outdoor exposure tests. (C) 1997 Published by Elsevier Science Limited.