The overall objective of this two-year cooperative research project on mechanical-vibrational studies of heterophase thermoplastic elastomers (polyurethanes) between Shaw Ling Hsu of the University of Massachusetts and Yingkang Wang, Beijing University, Fujei Lu, South China College of Tropical Crops and Renyuan Qian, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, is to study the phase separation and microscopic aspects of mechanical deformation in model polyurethanes. Polyurethanes are thermoplastic materials such as rubber or rubber synthetics which become soft and pliable when heated and harden when cooled. Such materials are used in tough, resistent coatings and electrical insulation. Further understanding of polyurethane materials during chemical separation and disfigurement under mechanical conditions will serve as the basis for the development of new and improved electrical materials and coatings. The Chinese scientists will prepare the polyurethane samples, conduct morphological studies using x-ray, light scattering techniques. The U.S. scientists will conduct the spectroscopic analysis of the samples. The linkage of Chinese expertise in sample preparation and U.S. expertise in spectroscopy promotes the main objective of the U.S.-China Cooperative Science Program; which is, to advance scientific knowledge through the combined efforts and abilities of American and Chinese scientists and engineers.
