Technical Paper
Microcellular Polyurethane Elastomers as Damping Elements in Automotive Suspension Systems
1991-02-01
910109
Microcellular cast polyurethane (MC-PUR) elastomers and rubber are widely used as damping components in automobile suspension systems. MC-PUR materials have the following advantages over rubber: High volume compressibility Lighter weight Better flexibility Small size Resistance to dynamic fatigue The handling of the vehicle can be improved by using MC-PUR helper springs rather than buffers. These spring elements require a MC-PUR elastomer with excellent dynamic performance. Naphthalene- 1.5-diisocyanate (NDI) has proved to be the most suitable raw material for this very demanding application. The properties of MC-PUR springs based on NDI are discussed in comparison to other elastomeric materials.