Polyurethane

    Polyurethanes are used in all types of industries and are ubiquitous in modern life from the insulation in your home to the parts in the car that you drive. Polyurethane is also used to make shoes, skateboards, and medical supplies. Why is this material such a popular choice among manufacturers in all industries?

Versatility of Polyurethane

Because of the way that polyurethane is made, it is a versatile product that can be found in a number of unexpected objects. One of the best known uses is as a protective coating on wood. But, polyurethane is more than a protective coating in a jar. It can be molded into shapes and it can be used as a cushioning feature on cars, shoes, and furniture.

Modern urethane manufacturers are always looking for new ways to customize the product. Since manufacturers can control the softness, rigidity, flammability, or resilience of polyurethane it can be customized for a plethora of uses.

What is Polyurethane?

Polyurethane is a complex material that includes a polyol reacted with various catalysts or additives. With various polyols and diisocyanates, polyurethanes with slightly different structures can be used in a variety of applications.

Polyurethane is not rubber, but it is a type of plastic that can be rigid or flexible or anywhere in between.

There are two types of polyurethane, polyester, and polyether. These are both elastomers, so they have elastic properties. Both are abrasive resistant, while polyester has a sliding quality and polyether is abrasion-resistant.

Polyester resists high temperatures for long periods of time, and polyether resists changing temperatures, making it a better choice for exposure to low temperatures.

When it comes to durability, polyester is more tear-resistant, chemical-resistant, and shock-absorbing. Polyethers are better in moist or humid conditions and have better-rebounding properties.

Types of Polyurethane

Polyester and polyether polyurethanes can be used in a variety of ways. Most of them are designed to make life more comfortable and products more durable.

Flexible Polyurethane Foam

This type of polyurethane is most commonly used as a cushioning or protective material. It is found in furniture, mattresses and bedding, and vehicle interiors. It makes up about 30 percent of the polyurethane sales in North America.

It can be shaped into any form, flexibility, and durability. It is comfortable, lightweight, and supportive. After it has been shaped, it will return to the set shape after being slept on, sat on, or pushed into.

Rigid Polyurethane Foam

These foams are used in commercial and residential insulation because it is energy-efficient and versatile. This foam keeps buildings cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It also dampens exterior noises.

Binders

These polyurethanes are used to bind different materials and are commonly used in wood panels, flooring materials, and sand casting. Carpet underlays use binders. Construction materials like joists and structural sheathing are strong because of binders. They are also commonly used in many manufactured housing components.

Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, and Elastomers (CASE)

Polyurethanes are commonly used to cover or seal different products. This collection of polyurethanes are called CASE and they are used to increase the durability and lifespan of various products.

They create tight bonds between different products, and they can seal products that need to be air- or water-tight. The CASE polyurethanes can be molded into any shape and they are lightweight with notable durability and environmental resistance.

Reaction Injection Molding (RIM)

RIM molding is used for items like car bumpers and computer enclosures. This type of polyurethane is used when injecting molding isn’t enough. It can have different wall strengths and sizes. It can also make parts that have strength with low weight.

RIM parts usually have dimensional stability with dynamic properties, which are popular with sporting goods, furniture, and automotive manufacturers.

Thermoplastic (TPU)

This type of polyurethane can be used in many construction and automotive applications. It is elastic, flexible, and abrasive-resistant. It also withstands a range of temperatures and impacts.

TPUs are popular with manufacturers because they can be customized into different colors and shapes. TPUs can be extruded, injected, blown, or compressed.

Waterborne Polyurethane Dispersions (PUDs)

This type of polyurethane is used as coatings or adhesives, but with a water-based solvent. These have become popular in place of volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutants.