Viscosity changes during isothermal and adiabatic urethane network polymerization

Viscosity was measured as a function of time for the polymerization of a reaction injection molding (RIM) type urethane system: 4,4′‐diphenyl methane diisocyanate (MDI) with a polyester triol and dibutyl tin dilaurate catalyst. Viscosity was found to be independent of shear rate. Isothermal viscosity rise was related to extent of reaction and to M_w, by branching theory. Isothermal results at several temperatures were able to predict viscosity rise under adiabatic conditions. The gel point test commonly used to evaluate RIM systems is shown to be essentially an adiabatic test.