Laser Flash Photolysis of a Methylene 4, 4'-Diphenyldiisocyanate (MDI) Based Polyurethane and Model Carbamates

Charles E. Hoyle, University of Southern Mississippi
Y.G. No, University of Southern Mississippi
K.G. Malone, University of Southern Mississippi
S.F. Thames, University of Southern Mississippi
David Creed, University of Southern Mississippi

Abstract

Transient species in the laser flash photolysis of solutions of methylene 4,4-diphenyldiisocyanate MDI based polyurethanes and small molecule models have been detected. One of the transient species, a substituted anilinyl radical, is not quenched by oxygen while a second transient is extinguished by the introduction of oxygen. Based on the spectral results, a plausible mechanism is offered for the primary photochemical reactions of MDI based polyurethanes.