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The morphology of modified thermoplastic PU has been studied by SEM and DSC. The PU was modified by addition of various amounts of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) plasticizer, vinyl polymers (PVA, PVAc, PVC, VAc-VC copolymer), polysiloxane or fiber reinforcement (glass or cotton) to diopolyether, followed by mixing and vigorous stirring with dephenylmethane diisocyanate. SEM observations indicated that PU and its modifications have a cellular (foam) structure. A homogeneous matrix was observed in binary blends of PU and DBP in ratios of 20:1 down to 6.6:1; PVA, PVAc, VAc-VC copolymer with a weight ratio of 40:1, PU containing glass fiber (20:1) or cotton fiber (40:1). Blends of PU--with PVA at a weight ratio of 20:1, with PVC in ratios from 20:1 down to 5:1, or with polysiloxane polymer--were heterogeneous and thus not miscible, as evidenced by SEM observations. With the exception of the PU- PSO mixtures, the thermal behavior of the heterogeneous blends did not permit any conclusion regarding miscibility.

The purpose of roads in areas of seasonal frost is to attenuate frost penetration and thus permit the design pavement thickness to be reduced. Early indications from actual use are that polystyrene insulation will meet these requirements. Two 100-ft (32.8-m) sections of street were constructed in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, in September 1964 using 2-by-4-ft by 2-in. (0.610-by l.220-m by 5.08-cm) sheets of extruded polystyrene insulation in the pavement structure at a depth of 16 in. (0.406 m). In the summer of 1965 two additional insulated road sections were constructed in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Two types of insulation and methods were used. Extruded polystyrene boards were placed by hand (the same as at Sudbury) at the desired elevation. Polyurethane was foamed in place by spraying the chemicals on the road bed with a specially constructed self-propelled spraying machine. This paper discusses the relative merits of the different methods of roads and, in a broader context, the protection against freezing of underground utilities, such as water mains and sewers.