Organometallic complexation phenomenon observed during the natural aging of polyester urethane in the presence of iron corrosion

Abstract Shoes with polyester urethane soles have been stored for 3 decades in a museum environment after several months of mining use. Upon observation sole material ageing under natural conditions, the shoes were laboratory since 2017 order to evidence and follow signs degradation. This study aims at characterizing complex degradation found on museum’s collection. Combining chemical composition analysis (EDX), mass spectroscopy (EGA-MS, py-GCMS) vibrational (Raman IR), results presence iron carboxylates different coordination modes. highlights formation hitherto unknown urethane: an organometallic ions coordinated carboxylic rests polyol chains. The compound arises from interaction between corrosion structural metallic elements sole, fragments hydrolysis urethane.