Experimental investigation into dynamic mechanical properties and explosion responses of polyurea elastomer

To reduce the threat of explosions to personnel safety, it can be considered to retrofit the existing buildings in high-risk areas of process industry in an economical and effective way. The mechanical behaviors of two types of polyureas were studied through a series of laboratory tests and field gas explosion tests, and the full-field explosion responses of polyurea were measured by a high-speed, three-dimensional digital image correlation (DIC) technique. It was found that polyurea exhibited a significant strain-rate-hardening effect, and the fracture strain of polyurea decreased significantly with the increase of strain rate. The failure criterion of the polyurea-coated fiber-reinforced cement board (FRCB) under gas explosion load conformed to the overpressure criterion. Polyurea could significantly improve the explosion resistance of the FRCB, and the reinforcement ability could be further improved by increasing the polyurea thickness of the rear face and strengthening on both sides. Dynamic thermodynamic and microscopic observations revealed that under gas explosions, the polyurea was in the rubber-glass transition zone, which was beneficial for improving the ability of the material to attenuate shock waves.(c) 2022 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Institution of Chemical Engineers.

Automated summary

To enhance the safety of existing buildings in high-risk areas of the process industry, retrofitting in an economical and effective way is recommended. The mechanical properties and explosion responses of polyurea were investigated through laboratory tests and field gas explosion tests. The results showed that polyurea exhibited strain-rate-hardening behavior and its thickness played a significant role in improving the explosion resistance of fiber-reinforced cement board.