Experimental and theoretical evaluation of mechanical, thermal and morphological features of EVA-millable polyurethane blends

Heterogeneous blends of millable polyurethane (MPU) and ethylene-co-vinyl acetate (EVA) elastomers have been prepared by conventional open mill mixing, and subsequently cured with DCP as curing agent. The prepared blends were characterized by TGA, DSC, XRD and DMA techniques. Mechanical and solvent transport features have been evaluated. Examination of EVA phase crystallization dynamics revealed that the 50:50 blend possessed a higher energy barrier during crystallization. When EVA became the minor or major phase, the system offers similar energy barrier features. Solvent transport mechanism has been found to shift towards non-Fickian for blends with EVA as the major phase. Mechanical properties have been found to be complementary to the observed crystalline features of the blends. A blend with EVA to MPU ratio 80:20 is highlighted as a soft and strong material, with enhanced solvent resistance features suitable as a matrix for different engineering applications.