Microcellular Polyurethane Elastomers as Damping Elements in Automotive Suspension Systems

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.