On the Properties of New Polyurethane Fast-Curing Polymer Materials

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Developing effective sand solidification materials is crucial for various engineering applications.
• Polyurethane-based polymers offer potential for rapid curing and improved mechanical properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the curing performance and mechanical properties of a novel polyurethane sand fast-curing polymer material.
• To determine the optimal conditions (temperature, particle size, proportion) for material application.
• To elucidate the reinforcement mechanism through SEM analysis.

Main Methods:

• Unconfined compressive and flexural strength tests were performed.
• Mechanical properties were assessed across temperatures (-10 °C to 60 °C), particle sizes (10-15, 60-80, 100-120, 325 mesh), and proportions (20%-60%).
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used for microstructural analysis.

Main Results:

• The polyurethane material demonstrated excellent applicability and curing properties between -10 °C and 60 °C.
• Compressive and flexural strengths increased with solidification temperature.
• Optimal curing was observed with 100-120 mesh sand, a 40% polyurethane proportion, and decreased particle size yielded higher strength with ductility.
• Multivariate regression established nonlinear relationships between strength and influencing factors.

Conclusions:

• The developed polyurethane polymer material is suitable for sand solidification across a broad temperature spectrum.
• Material properties are significantly influenced by temperature, sand particle size, and proportion.
• SEM analysis revealed X-shaped conjugate shear failure, indicating failure at the sand-material interface.