Dynamic mechanical and ultrasonic properties of polyurea

Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and ultrasonic measurements were carried out to study the temperature and frequency dependences of viscoelastic properties of polyurea. Master curves of Young’s storage and loss moduli were developed from the DMA data. Relaxation spectra were subsequently calculated by means of two approximate models, and the apparent activation energy of molecular rearrangements was also determined based on the temperature dependence of the time–temperature shift factor. Velocity and attenuation of longitudinal and shear ultrasonic waves in polyurea were measured in the 0.5–2 MHz frequency range between −60 and 30 °C temperatures. The complex longitudinal and shear moduli were computed from these measurements. Combining these results provided an estimate of the complex bulk and Young’s moduli at high frequencies. The results of the DMA and temperature and frequency shifted ultrasonic measurements are compared and similarities and deviations are discussed.

► We present the storage and loss moduli of polyurea at various temperatures and frequencies.
► The master curves of the moduli are derived.
► The relaxation spectra are calculated by means of two approximate models.
► The ultrasonic wave propagation is tested at low temperatures and high frequencies.
► The two sets of results are compared using time–temperature superposition principle.